Invading America: The English Assault on the New World 1497-1630 (Hardback)

The author has reviewed the marine technology available and illustrated this with details and images of modern reconstructions of vessels of the period. This is a fascinating account of a very important stage in colonial development, told well, and supported by a large number of illustrations in the form of maps, engravings, sketches and photographs. The author has also cast light on a period that has received little previous coverage by either English or American authors and publishers. - Firetrench Historians since Hakluyt have remarked on England's slowness in establishing New World colonies, especially in comparison with her rival, Spain. David Childs seeks to explain the widespread failure of early English colonies by viewing them as beachheads in an extended amphibious campaign. Childs identifies the factors crucial for successful amphibious operations, which, when absent, doomed would-be settlers from Baffin Island to the Carolinas. Invading America is a detailed, cleverly written synthesis. Childs has an excellent grasp of the material, and an impressive command of the primary sources. - The Northern Mariner Childs is an authority on Tudor maritime and naval history. Invading America provides insight into the nature of shipboard life and the science of navigation in the era. There remains much to praise here. Childs' systematic study of early English efforts in North America is a strong contribution to the literature. Does an excellent job. A wealth of illustrations helps the reader envision the technical details of ships and fortifications, a useful tool for nonspecialists. WWW.NAVYHISTORY.ORG