The Spanish Main 1492- 1800 (Fortress) [Paperback]

Rene Chartrand (Author), Donato Spedaliere (Illustrator)

Book Description

Series: Fortress | Publication Date: August 29, 2006

The ‘Spanish Main’ – the Spanish possessions in the West Indies and the Central American and Mexican coast – was the envy of Englishmen, Frenchmen and Dutchmen from the 16th to the 19th centuries. To counter their assaults as well as those of pirates, the Spanish built an outstanding system of fortifications – much of which still stands today. This title will cover the three main periods of development including the first ‘castles’ in Americas based on medieval styles built to protect against marauding adventurers including Sir Francis Drake. Later these forts were adapted to reflect the improved power of artillery. Following the fall of Havana to the British in 1762, the defences of the Spanish Main were revealed as outmoded and a complete reconstruction of them was ordered in the final stage of development as tremendous Vauban-style fortifications were created.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This book isn't for those searching for information on life in colonial Spain, but rather a concise examination of Spain's defenses - design, technology and history - in the New World... The Spanish Main presents Latin American history from a different perspective than that usually found in books focusing on pirates... This is a worthy read for those interested in the 'other side.'" -Cindy Vallar, The Pyrates Way, a Magazine for Pyrates (January 5, 2008)

"The author does an excellent job of showing the stages in growth of the key fortified sites at Havana, San Juan, Cartagena, Vera Cruz and other important locations including on the Pacific Coast of Panama and Acapulco... The book...is certainly a must for anyone interested in Spanish coastal fortifications in America." -J. E. Kaufmann, Site-O Newsletter

About the Author

René Chartrand was born in Montreal and educated in Canada, the United States and the Bahamas. A senior curator with Canada's National Historic Sites for nearly three decades, he is now a freelance writer and historical consultant. He has written numerous articles and books including almost 20 Osprey titles and the first two volumes of Canadian Military Heritage. He lives in Quebec, with his wife and two sons.

Product Details

• Paperback: 64 pages
• Publisher: Osprey Publishing; aFirst Edition First Printing edition (August 29, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1846030056
• ISBN-13: 978-1846030055
• Product Dimensions: 7.2 x 0.2 x 9.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,317,705 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very good!, April 8, 2011

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momo - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The Spanish Main 1492- 1800 (Fortress) (Paperback)

This is a great book on a rather rare topic. I am from Puerto Rico and have had trouble acquiring photographic descriptions of these important fortifications even in my homeland! The art is very good and the historical context is fine as well; this is truly a must for those interested in old Spanish forts.