Book/Printed Material A discourse in commendation of the valiant as vertuous minded gentleman, Maister Frauncis Drake, with a reioysing of his happy aduentures A discourse, in the commendation of Captaine Drakes trauayle. 1580
About this Item
Title
- A discourse in commendation of the valiant as vertuous minded gentleman, Maister Frauncis Drake, with a reioysing of his happy aduentures
Other Title
- A discourse, in the commendation of Captaine Drakes trauayle. 1580
Summary
- This small book by the Elizabethan writer Nicholas Breton (circa 1545-1622) is a work of praise addressed to Francis Drake for his voyage around the world of 1577-80. The fact that it refers to Drake as "master" rather than "sir" suggests that it was published some time between September 26, 1580, when Drake returned to Plymouth, and April 14, 1581, when Queen Elizabeth I visited Drake's ship and conferred knighthood upon him. Breton mentions the booty brought home by Drake, but is silent as to how it was acquired -- undoubtedly a reflection of Drake's anomalous position, since England and Spain were nominally at peace and some of Elizabeth's counselors were urging her to disavow Drake and restore to Spain the wealth he had seized from Spanish ships. Elizabeth chose to support Drake, however, and shared in the treasure. A near contemporary of William Shakespeare (1564-1616), Breton was a poet and author of prose fiction. Early editions of his works are extremely rare. World Digital Library.
Names
- Breton, Nicholas, 1545?-1626?
- Hans and Hanni Kraus Sir Francis Drake Collection (Library of Congress)
Created / Published
- At London, Printed by Iohn Charlewood ..., 1581.
Headings
- - Drake, Francis,--approximately 1540-1596
- - Admirals--Great Britain--Biography--Early works to 1800
- - Explorers--Great Britain--Biography--Early works to 1800
- - Great Britain--History--Elizabeth, 1558-1603--Biography
- - Great Britain--History, Naval--Tudors, 1485-1603--Biography
Notes
- - First ed. and only copy known. Described in H.P. Kraus. Sir Francis Drake; a pictorial biography, 1970, p. 82 and p. 197, no. 17.
- - ESTC S91191
- - Kraus, H.P. Sir Francis Drake, no. 17
- - STC 3646.5
- - Also available in digital form on the Library of Congress Web site.
Medium
- [16] p. 15 cm.
Call Number/Physical Location
- DA86.22.D7 B68
Digital Id
Library of Congress Control Number
- 80506597
Online Format
- image