The Queens Corsair, by A McKee

The Queen’s Corsair, Drake’s journey of circumnavigation 1577-1580
by Alexander McKee

Alexander McKee, historian, diver and underwater photographer is best known for leading the team of amateur divers (including John Bevan) from the Southsea BSAC who spent 20 years searching for and eventually finding the Mary Rose. John Bevan’s admiration and respect for ‘Mac’ (as he was known to his friends) is reflected in his comprehensive collection of McKee’s books of which this is one.

In his day Sir Francis Drake was described as a ‘cowardly knave’, ‘the vilest villain and falsest thief and cruelest murderer that was ever born’. Yet his circumnavigation of the world in 1577-80 was hailed as one of the greatest navigational achievements of all time and propelled him to fame and fortune. McKee’s account of that voyage grasps social life, the rituals, the religious disputes and the character of this colourful man – both villain and hero.

Hardback with dust jacket in protective cellophane cover.
Dust jacket in good condition: very slight rubbing to edges
Inside pages in very good condition
8 pages of black and white photographs.
1978, Souvenir Press, London (first edition?)
320 pages, 150mm x 223mm (approx. 6in x 8.75in)