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Bawlf strikes back with The Secret Voyage of Sir Francis Drake, a persuasive, 400-page volume illustrated with dozens of historical and modern maps and documented with extensive references to sources written in Drake's lifetime, all suggesting that the British admiral and pirate may indeed have travelled to areas of North America's western coast, including Vancouver Island and the Queen Charlotte Islands, 200 years before the first Europeans officially explored the region.
Bawlf, geographer, sailor and former British Columbian cabinet minister, convincingly argues that Drake's ambitious around-the-world voyage was, in fact, an elaborate cover for a scouting mission to find the elusive Northwest Passage. Afraid that spies for King Phillip II of Spain might learn of the venture, which was intended to open an important trade route, Queen Elizabeth insisted that the mission remain absolutely secret.
When Drake set out with five ships from Plymouth in 1577, the official story was that they were headed to the Mediterranean. Instead, they sailed directly to the Straight of Magellan and returned almost three years later after circling the globe. "Reworking his narrative", Bawlf writes in his dense and informative prose, "[16th-century British propagandist Richard] Hakluyt eliminated all mention of a search for the northern strait and said upon departing Guatulco, Drake had taken a 'somewhat northerly' course to the Moluccas, but after encountering bitterly cold winds at latitude 42 degrees, he turned back toward land and found the harbour he called Nova Albion at 38 degrees. However, Hakluyt neglected to instruct the printers to remove the note in the margin of the old page which read 'the purpose of Sir Francis to return by the Northwest passage', and this incongruous statement was printed alongside the carefully expurgated account."
Bawlf also demonstrates how official accounts of the voyage appear to describe many coastal features exactly 10 degrees of latitude south of where they actually occur, and these same accounts leave a gap of almost six months between Drake and his company leaving Mexico and arriving in the Philippines--just long enough for a quick hop up to Alaska and back. --Deirdre Hanna, Amazon.ca
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Book Description Paperback. Condition: Used; Good. Dispatched, from the UK, within 48 hours of ordering. This book is in good condition but will show signs of previous ownership. Please expect some creasing to the spine and/or minor damage to the cover. Damaged cover. The cover of is slightly damaged for instance a torn or bent corner. Seller Inventory # CHL9525837
Book Description Condition: Very Good. 1712664815. 4/9/2024 12:13:35 PM. Seller Inventory # U9780141005911
Book Description Condition: Good. Ships from the UK. Former library book; may include library markings. Used book that is in clean, average condition without any missing pages. Seller Inventory # GRP38654115
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Book Description Condition: Good. This is an ex-library book and may have the usual library/used-book markings inside.This book has soft covers. In good all round condition. Please note the Image in this listing is a stock photo and may not match the covers of the actual item,400grams, ISBN:9780141005911. Seller Inventory # 9077222
Book Description Paperback. Condition: Very Good. The book has been read, but is in excellent condition. Pages are intact and not marred by notes or highlighting. The spine remains undamaged. Seller Inventory # GOR001289470
Book Description Paperback. Condition: Good. The book has been read but remains in clean condition. All pages are intact and the cover is intact. Some minor wear to the spine. Seller Inventory # GOR003460620
Book Description Paperback. Condition: Used; Good. ***Simply Brit*** Welcome to our online used book store, where affordability meets great quality. Dive into a world of captivating reads without breaking the bank. We take pride in offering a wide selection of used books, from classics to hidden gems, ensuring there is something for every literary palate. All orders are shipped within 24 hours and our lightning fast-delivery within 48 hours coupled with our prompt customer service ensures a smooth journey from ordering to delivery. Discover the joy of reading with us, your trusted source for affordable books that do not compromise on quality. Seller Inventory # 1238871
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Book Description Paperback. 400p. A softcover book in fine condition. The text is clean and the binding tight. The story of Drake's expedition around the world and the six months of his trip that are unaccounted for - and the possibility of a secret mission for Queen Elizabeth I. Contains several black and white illustrations. Seller Inventory # 203579