Englishmen at Sea: Labor and the Nation at the Dawn of Empire, 1570–1630 by Eleanor Hubbard.

"Englishmen at Sea: Labor and the Nation at the Dawn of Empire, 1570–1630" by Eleanor Hubbard is a book that offers a new perspective on the social history of English seafarers during a crucial period in the development of England's maritime empire. The author draws on state papers, printed sources, and detailed depositions to explore the experiences of seafarers and their role in the development of imperial and commercial networks. The book challenges traditional notions of hierarchy on ships and examines the complex construction of English identity among seafarers. While the book has received praise, some critics argue that it may oversimplify the relationships between seafarers, the state, and employers, and that the transition from plunder to commerce was not as clear-cut as the author suggests. Overall, "Englishmen at Sea" is a significant contribution to the field of maritime social history and is likely to generate further discussion on the role of seafarers in early imperial expansion. [Extracted from the article]