Englishmen at Sea: Labor and the Nation at the Dawn of Empire, 1570-1630

In her book "The Age of Discovery," historian Eleanor Hubbard examines the labor conflicts that arose during the rise of the English maritime empire, exploring how privateering and piracy transformed the lives of seamen. She also highlights how the state treated these sailors gently in order to promote seafaring and man the navy.

Format: Hardback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 07 January 2022
Publisher: Yale University Press

A comprehensive and captivating exploration of England's early maritime empire, historian Eleanor Hubbard delves into the complex labor dynamics that shaped its ascent. Drawing upon a wealth of previously overlooked sources, Hubbard sheds light on the tumultuous conflicts that underpinned the growth of the English maritime empire. During the freewheeling Elizabethan era, privateering beckoned thousands of young men to the sea, offering them the opportunity to acquire invaluable skills and a fearsome reputation for ruthlessness. However, the peace that settled in 1603 brought about a seismic shift, requiring these predatory seamen to adapt to a radically different world where they were expected to risk their lives for the enrichment of merchants rather than plunder. Merchant trading companies sought to instill a sense of discipline and civility in their sailors, urging them to abandon their unruly ways and present a respectable image to foreign rulers and trading partners. While some sailors complied with these expectations, others rebelled, turning to piracy and renegade behavior. In response, these determined sailors engaged in negotiations, often securing concessions and shares in new trading opportunities. Their interactions with the state, which was eager to promote seafaring to bolster its navy, were marked by a delicate balance, as the sailors were treated with care to ensure the continued viability and attractiveness of the maritime trade for Englishmen.

Weight: 654g
Dimension: 163 x 241 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780300246124