Synopses & Reviews
The Spanish Aramda is a radical interpretation of why Philip II's Armada of 1588 failed so disastrously. This new edition is based on a fresh examination of archival sources across Europe, combined with the archaeological investigation of some of its wrecked ships off the coasts of Scotland and Ireland. The new edition has been extensively revised to incorporate ten further years of research by the authors and others, and is likely to remain the standard account for years to come.
Synopsis
At the end of July 1588, Philip II's Armada of 130 ships set sail against England. Within a month they were condemned to defeat. The authors spent 13 years reassessing the profusion of untapped documents, diaries and private papers lying forgotten in Spanish and Dutch archives. This material has been augmented by underwater discoveries from the Armada wrecks.
About the Author
Colin Martin is Reader in Maritime Archaeology at the University of St. Andrews.
Geoffrey Parker is Professor of History at Ohio State University.
Table of Contents
Part I: The Fleets Approach * The Greatest and Strongest Combination * A Fleet to Impeach It * Part II: Artillery Section *
Part III: God's Obvious Design * The Great Bog of Europe * Armed Neutrality, 1558-80 * Cold War, 1581-85 * The Grand Design and its Architect * Phony War * The Armada Takes Shape * Advance to Calais * The Banks of Flanders * Anatomy of Failure * God Breathed *
Part IV: The Armada in History and Legend * Victors and Vanquished * If the Armada Had Landed