Assembled from the accounts of the participants - leaders, mutineers and young gentlemen - which tell of endeavour and defeat at sea and in hostile terrain, this is a study of the last voyages of Thomas Cavendish, Henry Hudson and Sir Walter Ralegh.

General introduction. Part 1 The last voyage of Thomas Cavendish, 1591-1593: introduction - Cavendish and his voyages, Cavendish's narrative, Antony Knivet, John Davis, John Jane, Thomas Lodge; narratives - the circumnavigation 1588, Samuel Purchas 1625, Cavendish's narrative, Antony Knivet, John Davis, John Jane, Thomas Lodge. Part 2 The last voyage of Henry Hudson, 1610-1611: introduction; narratives - Henry Hudson, Abacuck Pricket, Thomas Woodhouse. Part 3 The last voyage of Sir Walter Ralegh, 1617-1618: introduction - the voyage, the documents; narratives - Ralegh's journal, the letter to Sir Ralph Winwood, the letter to Lady Ralegh, the "apology", the letter to Lord Carew, the letter to King James I. References. Index.

'Philip Edwards' comments on all the narratives ... provide an illuminating portrait of an age of squalid intrigue as well as empire building ... His detached scholarship and presentation of evidence form a valuable corrective to the kind of history which some cynic said was usually written by the winning side.' Lloyds List 'although these accounts have been republished on a number of occasions over the years, their further reproduction here in this very readable form is to be welcomed' Andrew C.F. David, Mariner's Mirror 'elegant volume ... these texts, edited and annotated with scholarly care, will make rewarding reading for anyone interested in the Elizabethan and Jacobean period of maritime enterprise.' K.R. Andrews, University of Hull, International Journal of Maritime History 'a fascinating range of material ... this volume will have many readers whose interests are not primarily literary' Prose Studies 'Edwards's introduction and notes are well informed and useful ... this edition should be an essential part of any course teaching the history or literature of this period' Paul A.S. Harvey, Notes and Queries, March 1991 'assuredly a welcome addition to the growing literature in the field of discovery, exploration, and travel ... Professor Edwards has written an informative introduction to each voyage which provides the historical background and commentary on the narratives. For the scholar, the curious, and for anyone who wishes to broaden his or her knowledge of Elizabethan and Jacobean voyages of discovery and exploration, this book can be recommended without reservation. Perhaps its publication will encourage others to emulate Professor Edwards' achievement.' Edward J. Goodman, Terrae Incognitae, Volume XXII, 1990 'Edwards's study is an outstanding contribution to history, and indeed to historical truth ... As a critical edition of documents, this is, in fact, one of the most compacted and well-written books I have ever encountered. Edwards's book is a refreshingly new major contribution to historical knowedge.' Luca Codignola, Università di Genova, The International History Review, Vol XIII, No.2, May '91 'Edwards edits these materials with care, compressing long, repetitious passages, writing informed introductions, and providing helpful notes.' T.H. Breen, Northwestern University, Illinois, American Indian Quarterly, Summer 1992