The Pirate Queen: Queen Elizabeth I, Her Pirate Adventurers, and the Dawn of Empire

by Susan Ronald

Extravagant, whimsical, and hot-tempered, Elizabeth was the epitome of power, both feared and admired by her enemies. Dubbed the "pirate queen" by the Vatican and Spain's Philip II, she employed a network of daring merchants, brazen adventurers, astronomer philosophers, and her stalwart Privy Council to anchor her throne—and in doing so, planted the seedlings of an empire that would ultimately cover two-fifths of the world.

In 'The Pirate Queen', historian Susan Ronald offers a fresh look at Elizabeth I, relying on a wealth of historical sources and thousands of the queen's personal letters to tell the thrilling story of a visionary monarch and the swashbuckling mariners who terrorized the seas to amass great wealth for themselves and the Crown.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Biography, Pirates, British Literature, Tudor Period, Historical

496 pages, Hardcover

First published June 24, 2007

Reviews

[Linda Harkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! The Virgin Queen assumed the throne at the age of 25. Hot-tempered and intelligent, the daughter of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn declared that she would never marry after witnessing what her father had done to her mother. Instead, she focused on building an empire.

Based on primary sources, including thousands of letters between merchant adventurers and Queen Elizabeth I, this rather fresh take on the times suggests that swashbuckling English pirates had everything to do with England's advancement. Drake, Cavendish, Raleigh, and scores of others took turns as favorites of the queen. Cavendish circumnavigated the globe only eight years after Drake had done it. English adventurers terrorized the seas, defeated the Spanish armada, and established colonies in the New World while amassing great wealth for impoverished England and themselves.

[jillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing book, researched in great detail, describing the reign of Elizabeth I through her foreign policy, especially when it came to her privateers. Elizabeth needed money to defend a vulnerable England against Catholic Spain, while aiding and abetting the Protestants in Spanish-owned Low Countries. Only through her relationships with Europe's Protestants could England maintain trade across the Channel. Where better to take the money than from Spanish treasure ships? This book describes the journeys of Elizabeth's pet pirates, like Drake and Frobisher (who I seriously thought only ever discovered the Arctic, and had no idea had also been on slave-stealing trips to Africa), from the ships and how they were supplied, to the reactions of the Spanish as they were raided. It covers the lost Virginia colonies, which were not so much lost as left to their own devices in between privateering raids and defense against the Armada. "Pirate Queen" covers every step of Elizabeth's path through history, and how she used every single tool at her disposal, including her privateers, to keep her country defended. A truly outstanding and fascinating read for anyone even remotely interested in the subject matter.

[Sage · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent answer to my question from my last book (A Kingdom Strange): what the hell was wrong with Walter Raleigh? Turns out Horn's book didn't take into account the finances of the British crown in critiquing the failure of Raleigh to resupply his Roanoke colony. Ronald if anything goes into too much detail of England's poverty and couches the entirety of state-sponsored piracy and the eventual birth of the British navy in terms of funding the state.

What is especially interesting to me is how my US education made ZERO mention of Drake's circumnavigation of the globe as a mission of sacking and pillaging stupendous wealth from west to east. Why so bowdlerized? Also, I had no idea that we have Elizabeth I to blame for the English getting involved in the slave trade. I'm STILL shocked, though I probably shouldn't be. I've read that part of Spanish/Portuguese history; I just didn't connect those dates to Gloriana and English licensed pirates turning slavers. (Not "privateers"; that word didn't exist for 200 years yet.)

Also, the title is a misnomer. This book is minimally about Elizabeth and mostly about the voyages of piracy in the mostly undeclared war between England and the Spanish empire.

It's extremely interesting to read this in the context of post-colonialism and intersectionality. Also interesting that while I read the history of La Conquista in that context, I've never really had the opportunity to apply it to British history. Huh.

[Stephanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Comprehensive, but a bit on the dry side. Rating may change as I read more books on this time period.

[Nerine Dorman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've needed a book detailing the kind of socio-political-economic environment that would support piracy, and The Pirate Queen gave me exactly the kind of background I needed for my research. As background reading to inform my own writing, this volume provides a rough history of Elizabethan times written in such a way that one isn't too overwhelmed with an info-dump of names, places and famous battles. In other words, it's perfect for someone like me who needed a basic introduction to European history *other* than having watched a handful of historical movies.

Obviously Elizabeth I is the focus of this novel, and she's revealed as both shrewd ruler and a woman who's prone to the flattery of her gentleman adventurers. The dynamics at court, in a traditionally patriarchal society must have had quite a shake-up when she steadfastly refused to marry and give up her sovereignty as ruler. But oh, what a queen she was. Yes, she had her good and bad sides, and the situation with Ireland was definitely a bad side, but honours go to her for strengthening a nation in the face of the massive adversity thanks to Spain.

Up until now, the name Francis Drake meant very little to me, something about voyages around the globe, but Susan Ronald hammers home the conditions in which these gentleman explorers like him had to work in order to succeed in their monumental voyages. Their ships were fragile, wooden things, often at the mercy of the elements. Sickness and privation were spectres that loomed constantly, and if not that mutiny among the crew posed yet more threats.

We take our maps and GPS for granted nowadays. Back then these brave and hardy souls navigated unknown and often hostile territory. Not all the natives they encountered were friendly, and often Spanish colonists were less than welcoming. Ronald touches on the slave trade as well, and how folks like John Hawkins had a hand in this terrible aspect of life during this era. The conditions aboard the slavers must have been hellish, and the fates of those poor souls terrible once they arrived in the New World.

All in all, The Pirate Queen offers a rough sketch illustrating how early plunderers, merchant and pirates gave rise to British maritime strength and set the stage for the British Empire that was to follow. I came away with a better understanding of the murky politics in the English court and how Elizabeth I's reign shaped European history. Overall, I feel like I've had a great starting point for further reading.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have to admit that I am sooooo glad this book is done. Omigod glad. I might be skipping.

I should have loved this book. I should have whisked it away on a long holiday with me and a pony ride, and bought it drinks.

But it was fine.

It was like going out on a date with the perfect guy, and finding out you like him as a friend.

The book tells the story of Elizabeth's pirate adventurers like Drake and Raleigh and such. It's pretty fun.

It starts out however with a super snarktastic comment from the author about how if you expect it to be about Elizabeth and her romances you're wrong wrong wrong and she hates you and wants you dead. Not really, but kinda.

Then the book goes into excruciatingly detailed detail about every ship that ever thought of leaving England. And with every amount of money, she explains what that would be in modern dollars and pounds--this gets old.

The book is full of information and would probably entrance a lot of people. However, I'm not one of them.

[Annie Brady · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book assumed too much prior knowledge on the subject of economics. For instance, in one chapter, Elizabeth stabilized the runaway inflation by recalling the old currency and minting new coins. As I read it, I kept nodding, saying to myself, "Oh, so that's how you do it." I don't know enough about economics to know whether Elizabeth's strategy was brilliant or routine, risky or sure. When I read that chapter, I merely read a list of Elizabeth's actions, without being able to put them into the proper context or learn from them.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love reading anything & everything about Queen Elizabeth I. She was a trailblazer before it became posh. Fiercely loyal, uncompromising when it came to religion, herself, or the pressure to marry and produce an heir, she lead her people with an iron fist and a good heart. She was a total badass ruling knowing so many wanted to dethrone and kill her.

[Carolina Casas · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book explores the "adventure-explorers" of the Elizabethan age. For everyone who has an image of the golden age being the age of an empire, the author deconstructs this myth and says that it wasn't so, what Elizabeth did begin however (thanks to those before her like grandfather Henry VII) was set the stage for the future British Empire. Everyone wanted to cash in on the colonies back then, it was the dream of every European country to have a settlement in the Americas, of course the country that got the most land was Spain but this did not stop Elizabeth from making her own luck and attacking Spanish galleons and financing explorations, looking for fertile land that England could settle on. What emerges from this book is a narrative of many brave and ambitious men, some who had nothing to lose, others who wanted to prove themselves to the queen and make a name for themselves in this foreign land, however the author doesn't shy away from the violence these men inflicted on the natives or the slave trade England engaged in as so many other countries back then. My one nitpick was that it lessened England's participation, often making excuses for its actions while condemning other countries. For everyone who has studied this period, you know it doesn't matter what country they speak of, every country that engaged in the slave trade was just as brutal, England was no different.

[Nick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ronald captures the "gentleman adventurers" (read: pirates, corsairs, rovers, and the like) of the Elizabethan era flawlessly! I found it quite amazing just how dependent the little island-state of England was on plunder and booty in the mid-to-late 16th century. What's even more amazing is how these adventurers teamed up not once, not twice, but three times to defeat the Spanish Armada, and lay the groundwork for what would eventually become the United States of America. Absolutely amazing--a perfect read for a snowy day off.

[Jacko · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a spectacular read! I honeaty just picked this up for random reads but I was totally blown away by the clear and illustrious descriptions of 17th century England, the cunning and brave Queen Elizabeth and of course, her raving parties of corsairs and adventurers. I have not known anything about the incredible queen until I read this marvelous book, I have learned soo much and if possible Id like a movie or series to be based off this work of excitement! 5 stars man! Whhhooooooooooo

[Lucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

The piratical adventurers who laid the foundations for Britain's victory over its enemies also provided her navy with a matchless knowledge of the workings of the illicit trade that underlay the European economy. In a short period of time the British navy became peerless and directed world trade from its own shores. Queen Elizabeth used the tools at her disposal to forge an empire that was hardly foreordained. She fought for it.

[Melinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another interesting book about this female monarch. I like it when the author takes a subject an gives it an unusual twist - for example researching and portraying the queen and her adventures and all the piracy she was involved in rather than just focusing on Queen Elizabeth as the monarch. All that said, this just reinforces the fact that I think the queen was a little crazy and indecisive and prone to childish temper tantrums.

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE! Actually finished it a few days ago, and today started to reread it. I will say though, I feel like "The Queen's Pirates" would have been a better title for it though but that is literally my only (and very minor) "complaint". I do suspect I will forever remember this book as what I was reading before/during the Great Flood as well.

[Cynthia Egbert · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has some interesting stuff but it is extremely detailed and might bog some people down. I tried to listen to it as an audio book and found that I could not keep my attention on it and so had to move to the actual book. It does make one see Elizabeth in a new light!

[Isabella · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this . I went on to watch a few documentaries after reading this, very interesting

[Pabloslist]

16th Century England: Elizabeth I's success in financial survival thru piracy, prevailing over Spain, avoiding marriage.

[Matt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Starts slow but overall a fantastic read, especially once Drake enters the scene.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Greatly detailed account of the importance of trade, religion, and control of the seas during Elizabeth's reign. The book brings all the players to life, especially Francis Drake.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

An ever fascinating subject, thoroughly researched and comprehensively examined. Anyone who found this too dry and containing too much superfluous detail must have been less interested in the subject than I was - I found it an engaging and informative read that certainly didn't bore me at any time.

[Glen Stott · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title of the book is misleading. Queen Elizabeth I was known as the Pirate Queen, so the title would indicate it is about her. The description of the book tends to support that conclusion. I am interested in the Queen so the commitment to a 500-page book was okay. The book is not really about Elisabeth I; she appears occasionally and her pronouncements, laws, foreign policies, investments, etc. drive the story, but the person of Elizabeth is absent. The book is mostly about the lives and adventures of pirates who worked directly and indirectly for the Queen in proxy war against Spain and its King, Phillip II.

England was financially broke when Elizabeth I became Queen. Throughout most of her 40 plus year reign, Spain was the most powerful country in the Europe. Phillip II had been married to Queen Mary (Elizabeth’s half-sister) and was, therefore, the King of England at that time. After Mary’s death, he wanted to maintain his position by marrying Elizabeth. That never happened. During her reign, Phillip was constantly using Spain’s power to box Elizabeth in and defeat England. Spain’s power rested upon annual treasure ships from Spain’s colonies in the new world. The primary shipping point was in the Caribbean. Daring “Adventurers” were able to attacK Spain’s holdings there and pick off treasure ships.

Elizabeth did not have finances to build a strong army and navy to combat Phillip. However, there were several English “Adventures” who wanted to attack Spain’s treasure flow for the bounty they could steal. The “Adventurers” were financed by merchants and businessmen in England who would then share in the bounties the Adventurers brought back. Elizabeth was an investor and sometimes loaned her ships. Her share of the bounties helped finance her government and the money Spain lost reduced Spain’s fortunes. Spain called these Adventurers, pirates. The most famous English sea captain, Sir Francis Drake was the most successful “Adventurer” and he led the English in their defeat of the Spanish Amrmada.

At first, I felt like lowering my rating because the title was misleading. However, the stories were so interesting and well told that I decided five stars was right.

Start 2019.02.25 - finished 2019.03.10

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't know all the literature on this era, but I expect that Ronald's achievement is not in unearthing new information, but in putting it all together. The general works on Elizabeth and this period present pirates and piracy in piecemeal fashion and Elizabeth's benefits as serendipitous. This book shows that piracy was wed into her foreign policy as much or more than her marriage possibilities (which garner considerably more attention in books for the general reader and in film).

The author brings together the internal and external politics of England, the economy, the religious issues, the excitement of discovery, the role of court favorites, and shows piracy as a thread running through it all. The book has provoked my thinking and given me a whole new yard stick by which to measure this period. While Spain is plundering the new world for gold and Africa for slaves, England is plundering Spain and finding benefit in the slave trade. This explains why English colonists were late (compared to Spain) in arriving in their "demarkated" hemisphere.

It is for the editing and not that writing that I give this book 4 stars and not 5. The frequency of ambiguous phrases and incomplete concepts hinders a smooth read. These are not things a writer, who knows her material inside and out, can easily spot.

For instance, p. 289, allusion is made to the storm raging and "driving the Francis, the Sea Dragon, the White Lion and the Talbot out to sea" meaning Drake could only offer the Roanoke colonists the Bark Bonner. 4 boats seems like a staggering loss, but there is no explanation or follow up. On p. 312, when Drake captures Don Pedro who will not submit to ransom, the author quotes from sailor's testimony from a law suit over Drake's estate 20 years hence. While this suit is beyond the scope of this book, the attribution of the quote, without explanation, suggests that there might be a reason to think a ransom was paid.

The story is compelling, and if you don't get too hung up on the detail (loose ends like those above occur every 20 pages or so), you will enjoy this rendering of the Elizabethan world. It gave me a whole new perspective from which to view all else about this period.

[Eileen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A well researched and densely detailed account of the economics and logistics of Queen Elizabeth I using pirates to enrich and secure her country and her rule which is told mainly through the activity of the pirates.  This book would most likely be enjoyed by those with some prior familiarity with and interest in Queen Elizabeth I or England at this time.  As the title and plot summary suggests, it specifically focuses on the piracy aspect of her reign.  Although there were quite a few individuals to track upon their introduction and I thought the book could have used a little more direction and a few more summary statements, I found it interesting in that it demonstrated the planning and strategy of piracy which is somewhat contrary to the modern-day portrayal of the activity being more spontaneous and amateur.  The book laboriously details a close view of pirate activity and would make it a good niche read for someone with a high level of interest in the topic.

[Connie D]

This is a well-written, detailed account of Eliabeth I's reign in relation to England's maritime adventures, including all the big names on the sea and at court: Drake, Raleigh, Frobisher, Cecil, Burghley, Walsingham, Dudley, Devereux, and many more. Of course, Elizabeth's adversary, Philip II of Spain, is a big player in the game (as are the Netherlands, Ireland, and Portugal and all the barely explored lands around the world).

I really enjoyed learning about each person's mistakes and triumphs and how they affected the new empire (and the future world). However, it was honestly a lot of information for me to take in and took me a long time to read; I would recommend it for anyone who already knows some about this time period and its explorers and wants to learn more fascinating stories and get the full picture of the era.

[Christie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is really more about the "pirates" of the title than the "queen." Those with an interest in English history, naval history, etc. should find plenty to enjoy, but anyone expecting an account of the life of Elizabeth I in detail will be disappointed. There is much more about Sir Francis Drake (who sounds like an amazing person for any age, let alone such a ruthless one as that) than there is about Her Majesty, and European politics are discussed frequently. That being said, I learned a lot about John Hawkins, Sir Francis Drake, and their contemporaries. In summary, I would recommend this to anyone who already has a good grasp of British history, but not to people who enjoyed "Pirates of the Carribean" or the Elizabeth movies and expect more of the same.

[Amanda Ellison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book a lot! It would is non-fiction, but the author writes superbly, making it a great read. I've read many books about the Tudor family, especially Elizabeth I. This book made reading non-fiction fun, something that non-fiction history authors sometimes don't do! It's about how Elizabeth I endorsed several men to go plundering & looting Spanish ships or Spanish held colonies in the New World. It's through this abundant wealth that she was able to rule her country for nearly 50 yrs. She helped usher in a new age, where people began to explore & even start new colonies in the New World, under British rule. The author made the events that ACTUALLY happened interesting & engrossing. Great book.

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved having more of the historical background on some of the famous names we all hear about in history classes. Sometimes it was confusing, though, to keep track of names and dates while she jumped around to follow the story line. Those were times that the book became a good sleep aid. It also struggled to wrap up the story and after several hundred pages, Queen Elizabeth dies and the summary is all of one paragraph before closing. I gave it a high score just because some of the information was really cool and she did a good job of explaining the dynamics at court and with other countries.

[Bettie · Rating 3 out of 5]

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As the title suggests, this book is about commerce and quite a lot of the examples are about one-sided commercial transactions. (see how I did that! haha Unsure that calling an English monarch a thief is not still treasonable). Refreshing tone and meticulously researched with sources available.

[Rayah · Rating 4 out of 5]

How often can you describe a biography as a page-turner? As other reviewers have mentioned, there is a lot of time spent on Sir Francis Drake (and of course, now I want to go find a biography about him!), possibly at the expense of other important figures in the Elizabethan Court. I was hoping for some references to Shakespeare and - connected or not - to Edward de Vere. I might complain a little bit that the author seems a bit too forgiving of Elizabeth and some of her more questionable judgements. Still, I devoured this book and was left wanting more!

[Roderigo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very easy read, yet covers a lot between c.1560-1600. Essentially the story of the start of the British Navy and the very start of thoughts of Empire. I enjoyed the spread of knowledge starting with out getting bogged down. The 1588 Armarda takes up a few pages. Starts with the merchant shipping expeditions that turned to plunder, to the quasi Royal assistance/acceptance of this as a means of warfare against the Spanish. It ends with the start of the East Indies Company and the birth of an Empire.