The definitive history of the Spanish Armada, richly illustrated and fully revised. Selected by Foreign Affairs as one of the Best Books of 2023. "It will surely become the definitive account." —Stephen Brumwell, Wall Street Journal.

In July 1588, the Spanish Armada set sail from Corunna to conquer England. Three weeks later, an attack by English fire ships in the Channel—and then a fierce naval battle—thwarted the planned invasion. Many myths surround these events. The genius of Sir Francis Drake is extolled, while Spain's efforts are underestimated. But what really happened during this fateful encounter?

Drawing from archives around the world, Colin Martin and Geoffrey Parker also use vital new evidence from Armada shipwrecks along the coasts of Ireland and Scotland. Their compelling, beautifully illustrated narrative provides a new understanding of how the opposing fleets were formed, how they looked, sounded, and smelled, and what happened when they finally clashed.

Looking beyond the events of 1588, the complex politics that made war between England and Spain inevitable is examined, as well as the political and dynastic consequences. The Armada dismantles the many legends to reveal why, ultimately, the daring Spanish mission failed.

Pages: 768, Year of Publication: 0329, Dimensions: 15.9x15.9cm