Synopses & Reviews
The forgotten century of English voyages to the Americas, 15181618 In the popular imagination, English colonization in the Americas began with the founding of Jamestown in Virginia in 1607. But the focus of English voyages to this side of the Atlantic for 100 years before that had been much further south, in defiance of Pope Alexander VIs decree that South America would be divided between Spain and Portugal. Examining not only the oft-forgotten history of this period of English exploration between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, this history also looks at the voyages themselves, through the eyes of the sailors who faced that daunting journey. It is a story of adventure, hardship, and courage. Written by an historian with a practical knowledge of seamanship, this is an important contribution to an understanding of the early period of English attempts at colonization.
About the Author
James Seay Dean is emeritus professor of English & Humanities at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside. He has taught maritime history and published numerous articles in nautical, literary, and historical journals. He is also an experienced sailor and is the author of Sailing a Square-Rigger. He lives in Racine, Wisconsin.