It is 1588 and King Philip of Spain has assembled the greatest fleet and the most powerful army in the world. It is envisaged that the Armada, commanded by the brave and chivalric Duke of Medina Sidonia, will crush the English and bring an end to the reign of Queen Elizabeth. One man who has inside knowledge of this event is the young Henry Gresham. Caught up in the intrigues of Elizabeth's court as its inhabitants jostle for power and favour, he begins to realise that are many there who resent his youth, wealth and good looks. His position as a spy for Walsingham further endangers his life - and when he finds himself sailing on the Armada during his mission to spy on Sir Francis Drake, who is deemed suspicious of siding with the Spanish, he's not entirely certain where the real threat lies...
Review
'Intrigue, high-life and low-life are brilliantly interwoven...the historical details are utterly convincing' LAWRENCE JAMES 'Stephen has a good feel for the momentary decisions that can help to shape the course of history - as well, of course, as the cowardice, vainglory and greed' THE TIMES 'A terrific book' THE SPECTATOR 'Henry Gresham is a hero for all seasons' VAL MCDERMID
About the Author
Martin Stephen is High Master of St. Paul's School, Barnes. He is the author of 15 titles on English literature and military history and is also an experienced broadcaster and journalist, writing regularly for various broadsheets, the Daily Mail and the L
