Westward Ho!

Beginning in the fictional seaport of Bideford Quay in Devon, during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, Charles Kingsley's monumental novel follows the fortunes of Amyas Leigh, a young man who sets sail on a life of adventure on the high seas. After battling pirates and treasure-hunting in the Caribbean, and setting out to rescue his beloved Rose Salterne, Amyas joins Sir Francis Drake as he prepares to face England's greatest threat—the Spanish Armada. Packed with drama, excitement and romance Westward Ho! is a magnificent celebration of an age of exploration, discovery and conquest. More than this, however, the novel also draws parallels between Elizabethan England and mid-nineteenth century Britain, when many feared imminent invasion by the French under their Catholic emperor Louis Napoleon. Included is an insightful introduction by historical writer Malcolm Day.