“IT WAS REASSURING TO THE INSECURE TO HEAR THEMSELVES CLAMORING FOR THE BLOOD OF THE HERETICS, AS IF ONE MORE ACT OF AIMLESS VIOLENCE WOULD CURE A WORLD WHOSE MALADY WAS AIMLESS VIOLENCE.” (p. 36)
When we were studying the Armada in Sixth Grade, we were taught the Invincible Armada was defeated by the weather. That was the story the Spanish and Catholics spread after the failure of their mission to invade England in 1588. But in Garrett Mattingly’s dazzling The Armada readers will learn what really happened. Part of the problem was that many of the 130 ships in the Armada were poorly constructed. The English ships had more guns, more speed, and more maneuverability. Although the English ships–about 30–were outnumbered, they were led by Sir Francis Drake who the Spanish feared. Mattingly skillfully sets up the battles and keeps the action as exciting as a novel. In addition, Mattingly captures the politics of the English Court, the French Court, and the Spanish Court. Plenty of decisions by Queen Elizabeth, King Henry III, and King Philip II affected the outcome of the Armada even before one ship had sailed. If you love history as much as I do, pick up a copy of The Armada and prepare to be swept away! GRADE: A
I seem to recall that the overall Spanish strategy was weak too, s if thy believed that simple numerical superiority was all they needed for victory.
Dan, you’re right. The Spanish force was large. But getting across the English Channel was a Big Problem.
Love that quote!
As most of you know, I started out life as an English girl and the story of the defeat of the Armada was one of the undergirdings of our history lessons (along with Hadrian’s Wall, the Norman Conquest, the Magna Carta, and Roundheads versus Cavaliers), so I’m not sure I’ll be turning to a book-length analysis, although it looks interesting. What year was this published, George? Something about the cover and author photo on the back makes me think this is not a recent book.
Deb, THE ARMADA was published in 1959. But it reads like it was written yesterday. I was surprised at all the maneuverings going on in France at the same time. And, for a 400-page books, this was a quick enjoyable read!
A number of writers have gotten very skilled at bringing these sorts of events to life.
Patti, THE ARMADA brings History to Life. THE ARMADA is the best book I’ve read in 2015 so far!
Sounds wonderful.
Rick, you would be delighted with THE ARMADA.
There is a new blog about Armada (in spanish) called La Armada Invencible
Pedro, thanks for the heads up!