Spanish Naval Power, 1589-1665: Reconstruction and Defeat

by David Goodman

Overview

This is the first book to attempt a comprehensive analysis of the state of Spain's naval forces in the years following the defeat of the Great Armada in 1588 and during the seventeenth century. This was a period in which all of Europe's maritime powers were attaching increasing importance to naval warfare in their bid to topple Spain and to seize the rich pickings of her vast empire. The book's findings throw new light on the conservation of Spain's timber resources, naval funding, and the recruitment and status of the Spanish seaman, in a study of the political, social, economic and technological conditions that influenced the character and performance of the Spanish navy.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521522571
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	11/13/2003
Series:	Cambridge Studies in Early Modern History
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	328
Product dimensions:	5.98(w) x 9.02(h) x 0.75(d)

Table of Contents

Preface; Introduction: the rise and fall of Spanish naval power; Part I. Money and Materials: 1. Funding the fleets; 2. Counting the trees: the conservation of Spain's forests; 3. Shipbuilding; 4. Preparing to sail; Part II. Personnel: 5. Officials of the quill; 6. Counting the crews; 7. Officers and men; Conclusion: towards an explanation; Appendices.

Editorial Reviews

"...this is a useful book for every maritime historian interested in this topic of widespread historical significance. It is based on thorough archival research and presents numerous new facts and details." Victor Enthoven, Military History

"...carefully constructed, well documented, and comprehensive, Goodman's Spanish Naval Power provides more than an analysis of Spain's rise and decline as a naval power. It also gives a fascinating insight into Spanish social, economic, political and administrative history. It is to be highly recommended to anyone interested in the complex operations of the early-mosern European state." Charles J. Jago, Canadian Journal of History

"This is very interesting indeed, and there are sections of the book that make fascinating reading. [Goodman] delivers a great deal: a well-researched, carefully written, and important study. He has done a magnificent job of finding material in the archives." American Historical Review

From the Publisher