This is a great read, the history of Britain's role in the slave trade during the reign of Elizabeth I. While this book concentrates on the slavery aspect, John Hawkynsand others including Sir Francis Drake and Walter Raleigh were a vital part of the defense of England from the power and wealth of Spain. They raided Spanish merchant ships and brought treasure home to England to help finance it's defence. Everything they took weakened Spain further. Elizabeth I cannily protested innocence to the various Spanish ambassadors who complained to her about the attacks on Spanish ships. While Drake and Raleigh were close to the Queen, John Hawkyns and others like him were not and the queen never admitted to any relationship with him. Even some of her closest advisors were not aware of the extent to which these 'pirates' were funding the English Treasury. While her conduct was not particularly admirable, Elizabeth had inherited a kingdom badly in debt. Spain was a huge threat to England and it's Protestant religion. When her advisors demanded war, Elizabeth frequently responded by reminding them that wars required money and men which they did not have. Elizabeth's main acheivement was to delay a war with Spain for years through diplomacy and cunning. A war delayed was money in the bank, English lives saved, and the maintenance of the status quo. When the Spanish Armada finally set sail for England in the latter part of her reign, the English were still outnumbered badly in men and ships but they were certainly stronger than in her earlier reign. The defeat of the Armada established England as a strong and independent Protestant country. The rest is history. ( )