The Queen’s Corsair

In 1577, Francis Drake set sail from Plymouth Harbour with five other ships and 164 men and boys. They were under the Queen’s commission to explore the great South Sea by way of the Strait of Magellan. It had been nearly 60 years since the Spaniard had sailed into the unknown and discovered the natural passage between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans; no one had achieved it since.

The purpose of the great voyage was to explore uncharted waters, unclaimed territories, and search for new trading possibilities to bolster England’s declining export trade. To interrupt Spanish and Portuguese dominance in sea trade and wealth flowing from the New World was also of strategic interest.

Through remarkably detailed testimony that survived from the depositions made of Drake’s prisoners to Spanish Inquisitors, the ships’ logs, and personal diaries, we follow the eventful journey. Through McKee’s narrative, we gain insight into the divisive Drake, what life was like on board ship and under his command, and how his seafaring brilliance led to ultimate success.

‘Written from the point of view of a participant, but with the assistance of his own expertise on Tudor shipbuilding matters, the author has produced an enjoyable, racy account of that most spectacular voyage … an absorbing introduction to the circumnavigation which has much to entertain both the general reader and the more expert.’ Geographical Magazine

‘The author’s technical knowledge of 16th century ships has resulted in a most judicious tribute to Drake as a practical seaman, and his work will appeal to all those interested in maritime history and exploration; it will be of value too, to many critical students of the Elizabethan period who lack opportunities to consult the many primary sources Mr. McKee has used.’ British Book News