The ships, their captains, battles and voyages Although the Tudor period is now regarded as a 'golden age' it was, for the English, a period of great potential instability for the nation was not yet as influential as it later became. Larger and more powerful neighbours were a constant threat, but the English possessed a distinction that above all contributed to the creation of the largest empire the world had known. As an island people they were destined to become seamen and builders of ships. The English naval tradition gave birth to famous sea captains whose names resound to this day. Great sea battles were fought including, of course, the defeat of the mighty Spanish Armada. This was also the age of great voyages of discovery, and this unique book describes the sea warfare and voyages undertaken by the English sailors during the reigns of Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I. With the growth of sea-power came the need for greater numbers of vessels suitable for all purposes and this volume and its numerous illustrations describes them together in detail. This is an important book concerning the origins of the Royal Navy and an essential addition for every naval library. Leonaur editions are newly typeset and are not facsimiles; each title is available in softcover and hardback with dustjacket.