Includes bibliographical references and index.

Drake is one of those near mythic figures who defies easy categorization. To the English and his patron, Queen Elizabeth, Drake was an intrepid Sea Dog, who swept the seas of the Spanish menace, winning security and riches for his country. To the Spanish, Drake was a vicious brigand who plundered and murdered and proved useful as an instrument of English state-sponsored terrorism. Kelsey speculates on how the Drake legend evolved and makes a reasonable stab at finding the 'real' man. He views Drake as a superb professional seaman who was undoubtedly brave and resourceful. However, he was also a ruthless and frequently brutal man whose primary goal was self-enrichment rather than the greatness of England. This is a highly enjoyable book, primarily because the author understands that Drake is most interesting aboard ship; thus, he wastes little time immersing us in Drake's family history, childhood, or domestic life. Kelsey again illustrates that the life of a pirate may he hard but makes for an exciting yarn.

HIST With 13 Drake biographies currently in print, presenting almost as many differing historical opinions, Kelsey embarks bravely upon a scholarly treatment of a man he calls 'a rogue, an able seaman, and a pirate.' Strong words indeed for a man who, in popular legend, discovered California for England, circumnavigated the globe, and helped defeat the Spanish Armada in 1588. Tracing Drake's family lineage and early childhood in a seafaring family, Kelsey does a creditable job of drawing Drake's character and the influences that molded him. A natural sailor, fearless, ambitious, and tenacious, Drake was also lacking in family attachment, covetous, and devoid of moral scruples. Kelsey's command of the sources is excellent; the notes are a treasure trove of information on 16th-century exploration, and the bibliography is exhaustive. This work will long stand as the definitive scholarly study of the most famous sea captain and pirate of the era of Good Queen Bess. Recommended for academic and larger public oibrary collections.