The Armada by Garrett Mattingly

The Armada by Garrett Mattingly. This is the classic account of the famous British defense against the Spanish Armada in 1588. The book is based upon archival research both in England, France and Spain. The battle itself is only dealt with in the latter portion of the book. Most of the narrative is taken up with the state of Europe separated between Catholic and Protestant. Mattingly portrays the Spanish wanting too reconquer all of Protestant territory not just England. I believe this was rather controversial at the time but is considered mainstream now. The description of the battle is a little too neat. I understand the primary sources are extremely confused for the military operations.

Recommended.

Is available through Abebooks.