The Spanish Armadas

The story of the Spanish Armada, sent crashing to destruction in stormy seas by English battleships, is one of the most famous & popular of British history. Philip II of Spain's crusade to conquer Protestant England was the culmination of an undeclared war between the two nations which had simmered for years. The dramatic destruction of the Spanish fleet by Howard, Drake & their men ensured that England kept her political & religious freedom--but it wasn't the end of the story. This history places the Spanish Armada in its true context, as the most spectacular of Spain's continued attempts to return England to Catholicism, first thru friendship, then by marriage, finally through war. It explains that the 1588 battle was only one in a series of Spanish naval campaigns against England--it wasn't until the 17th century that peace was fully assured. Winston Graham, author of the Poldark novels, brings all his gifts as a storyteller to this fascinating work, making the momentous sea battles come to life & telling a tale of human hostility & passions.