The Year after the Armada, and Other Historical Studies

In this compact volume the writer turns to neglected archives, letters, and pamphlets to shed new light on a tumultuous corner of early modern history. By piecing together forgotten manuscripts and overlooked newsletters, he brings vivid detail to events and personalities that have long been treated in broad strokes. The essays are stitched together with a clear, conversational voice that invites listeners to feel the texture of the period, not just its dates.

The centerpiece explores the chaotic weeks following the famous Spanish Armada’s failure, when the battered fleet limped into Calais and faced an unexpected English counter‑armada in 1589. Readers hear the clash of proud galleons against nimble English craft, the terror of fire‑ships drifting through night, and the grim reality of storm‑tossed ships, spoiled provisions, and spreading panic. The narrative captures both the strategic missteps and the human cost, offering a fresh perspective on a moment when Europe’s balance of power hung in the balance.