This book was a real curiosity for me, with fascinating insights into life during the time period... particularly the incredibly casual approach the crew seemed to take to violence, murder, theft and deception against anyone and everyone that wasn't English (and even some who were).
However, that was not enough to rescue it from a distinct lack if anything resembling personality. Unless, of course, you consider the writer's obvious hero worship of Drake.

A dull read with some curious elements, but not something I would recommend. ( )

This book was a real curiosity for me, with fascinating insights into life during the time period... particularly the incredibly casual approach the crew seemed to take to violence, murder, theft and deception against anyone and everyone that wasn't English (and even some who were).
However, that was not enough to rescue it from a distinct lack if anything resembling personality. Unless, of course, you consider the writer's obvious hero worship of Drake.

A dull read with some curious elements, but not something I would recommend. ( )

Two short-and-sweet travelogues from the Tudor propagandist Richard Hakluyt. Each is about 25 pages, one following a voyage led by Sir Francis Drake and another that of Thomas Candish, as they tear about the waters and islands of the New World looting Spaniards, burning towns, treating the natives with a high hand and commenting on the diverse natural wealth of the land and the animals (before shooting them). In short, having a jolly good old colonialist time.

The writing is very dry by modern standards; more an action report (we did this, then this, then this…) than an evocative piece of writing. Nevertheless, it does prove fascinating, not only to see the New World as it was when it was truly new and unknown, but because Hakluyt's style becomes unintentionally amusing. From the matter-of-fact way he deals with the violent death of a crewman, or an encounter with the native tribesmen each having "a nail of tin thrust quite through the head of his privy part" (pg. 43), to the nakedly propagandistic inducements to readers back home to come and enjoy the arable land and abundance of animals, such as the "ducks of a marvellous bigness" (pg. 34), we are drawn into an imperial fugue state that no doubt understates the hardship and the viciousness of early colonialism, but is very remarkable to read nonetheless. ( )

Interesting, easy reading. I especially like the parts where the Spanish are thoroughly beaten, boats sunk, etc. Jolly good adventure! ( )

Read this for the history. And to gain an understanding of the colonial attitude. But if you find it too long here is a summary of how to travel the world 1500's style:
1. If it is spanish steal it or, failing that, burn it.
2. If it is Spanish but the Spaniards aren't there fool the natives into thinking you are Spanish and steal all the Spanish stuff then tell the natives who you are: If the natives are friendly pay them; if not, burn them out.
3. If it is an animal; kill it, even if you don't need the food. Because animals are there for killing, right?
4. Plan on losing at least half your crew.
5. Be sure to only trade worthless bits of lead or iron to the natives for your vital supplies. If they want more chase them off and then steal it, and finish by burning down their town.
6. If in doubt; burn stuff.
( )