"Singeing the King of Spain's Beard" was what Queen Elizabeth and Drake called a certain daring English raid on Cadiz. It took place in the time when the mighty Philip of Spain held the riches of the New World in his grasp, and a puny England was challenging him for the prize.

Two sixteen-year-old country lads knew of the mounting crisis, but never dreamed that by chance they would be the means of warning Elizabeth of a planned invasion of England by Spain. Or that they would actually sail with Drake on his mad history-making voyage to thwart the Spanish king's plans!

Here is a close-up of this period and many of its principal figures, and a ringside seat at one of the most audacious naval attacks in history. Here is history that is irresistible because it is personal and told by a master storyteller.

Christine Price is a well-known illustrator whose favorite period is the Elizabethan. Her line drawings add just the right note of vigor and authenticity

From the dust jacket