A study of the aims and imagined rewards of seamen sailing from northern Europe and the West Indies to the west coast of South America in the 17th century, especially between the Straits of Magellan and the Isthmus of Panama. Their personal objectives were self-enrichment, after the arrival in Europe of breathtaking treasures in gold, silver and jewels looted by Spanish conquistadors from indigenous peoples. But their actions were embittered by decades of fierce animosity towards Spain arising from opposition to her Catholic beliefs, and from the quest for political independence for example in the Low Countries from 1568 to 1648. They range from buccaneers - some of the most ferocious, heartless and brutal men of their age, murdering and taking hostages like 21st-c. terrorists, to others keen to explore new commercial horizons for European trade, or in the case of the Dutch even to challenge Spanish political jurisdiction and occupy lands through armed alliances with local peoples.

Spanish: An Essential Grammar is a concise and user-friendly reference guide to the most important aspects of Spanish.
It presents a fresh and accessible description of the language that combines traditional and function-based grammar. The book sets out the complexities of Spanish in short, readable sections, and explanations are clear and free from jargon.
The Grammar is the ideal reference source for the learner and user of Spanish. It is suitable for either independent study or for students in schools, colleges, universities and adult classes of all types.
Features include:
* clear distinctions between the essential and basic aspects of Spanish grammar and those that are more complex
* full use of authentic examples
* easy to understand explanations of areas that customarily pose problems for English speakers
* detailed contents list and index for easy access to information.

In 1686, a small group of mainly French buccaneers left the Caribbean for the South Sea. Instead of crossing the Isthmus of Panama, they loaded supplies on the east coast of North America, crossed the Atlantic Ocean to Africa, and then headed for the Straits of Magellan. Until 1695, their exploits ranged from the Juan Fernandez Islands and the coasts of Chile in the south, to the shores of the Viceroyalty of Peru and the Galapagos Islands, and finally reached the northern limits of Spanish viceregal administration along the coasts of New Spain (Mexico), and also Baja California.

Spanish: An Essential Grammar is a concise and user-friendly reference guide to the most important aspects of Spanish.
It presents a fresh and accessible description of the language that combines traditional and function-based grammar. The book sets out the complexities of Spanish in short, readable sections, and explanations are clear and free from jargon.
The Grammar is the ideal reference source for the learner and user of Spanish. It is suitable for either independent study or for students in schools, colleges, universities and adult classes of all types.
Features include:
* clear distinctions between the essential and basic aspects of Spanish grammar and those that are more complex
* full use of authentic examples
* easy to understand explanations of areas that customarily pose problems for English speakers
* detailed contents list and index for easy access to information.