In the Days of Drake

by J.S. Fletcher

In the whole history of the English people there is no period so absolutely heroic, so full of enthralling interest, as that in which the might of England made itself apparent by land and sea-the period which saw good Queen Bess mistress of English hearts and Englishmen and sovereign of the great beginnings which have come to such a magnificent fruition under Victoria. That was indeed a golden time-an age of great venture and enterprise-a period wherein men's hearts were set on personal valor and bravery-the day of great deeds and of courage most marvelous. To write down a catalogue of all the names that then were glorious, to make a list of all the daring deeds that then were done-this were an impossible task for the most painstaking of statisticians, the most conscientious of historians and chroniclers. For there were men in those days who achieved world-wide fame, such as Drake, Frobisher, Hawkins, Raleigh, Grenville, and Gilbert-but there were also other men, the rough "sea-dogs" of that time, whose names have never been remembered, or even recorded, and who were yet heroes of a quality not inferior to their commanders and leaders.

Genres: Classics

132 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1897

About the author

Joseph Smith Fletcher was an English journalist, writer, and fellow of the Royal Historical Society. He studied law before turning to journalism.

His literary career spanned approximately 200 books on a wide variety of subjects including fiction, non-fiction, histories, historical fiction, and mysteries. He was known as one of the leading writers of detective fiction in the Golden Age .

Reviews

[William]

Entertaining listening 🔰😀

Another will written British romantic thriller seafaring adventure thriller novella by J. S. Fletcher about a young 👦English lad who's cousin has him kidnapped by a Spanish noble man 🚹. He ends up ☝ in Mexico ending up on a galley which is heading to Spain. Frances Drake raids the galley and rescues the British slaves returning them to England. I would recommend this novella to anyone looking for a quick read. Enjoy 2021🏰

[Rebecca]

*HOD World Geography* I thoroughly enjoyed this short novel. It’s a great adventure story that keeps the reader turning the pages, wondering what happens next. I’ll definitely have my son read it this summer.

[Glenn Blake]

For a novella, this really packed a punch. A fantastic story with perfect pacing. Filled with lively action, and two well developed main characters.

[Michael Spencer]

Really enjoyed this book. Though it is an extremely small book, it condenses an adventure around the world very well. I think Wilbur Smith may have glanced over this book once or twice when writing monsoon, as Smith's book does share many of the same features in a more expanded form.

[Kathy]

Fun quick read of old-fashioned coming of age adventure with plenty of action, villains, high seas and Sir Francis Drake thrown in with Spanish Inquisition also in the mix. I am happy to find these old Fletcher books available as e-books for free on amazon.

[Jim]

Excellent!

[Pat]

I started it and ended it in the same night. There's nothing like going around the world when you don't want to in the 1500's and meeting Sir Francis Drake is such a bonus :)