Description
CAPTAIN CUELLAR'S LETTER
Book Summary
This volume offers a bilingual edition of the extraordinary letter by Captain Francisco de Cuéllar, a firsthand account of his survival after the shipwreck of the galleon La Lavia on the Irish coast in 1588. The reader will find not only the transcription of the original document preserved at the Royal Academy of History, but also a comprehensive academic study that contextualizes the figure, the tragedy of the Great Armada, and the archaeological research at the site of the disaster. An essential work for understanding a key episode in naval history from both a human and scientific perspective.
What is it about?
The book is structured around the first-person account of Captain Cuéllar, who survived the sinking of his ship in Streedagh Bay, Ireland, on September 20, 1588. The letter describes his epic journey through hostile territory until he finally reached Flanders. Added to this narrative is a collection of informative academic articles that explore different angles: the captain's biography, the historical context of the Invincible Armada shipwrecks, the underwater archaeological findings off the Sligo coast, and the management of this cultural heritage. The texts are presented in both Spanish and English, facilitating access for an international audience.
Main Themes
- An account of survival and a journey through hostile territory during the 16th century.
- Naval history of the Great Armada and the 1588 shipwreck in Ireland.
- Underwater archaeological research in Streedagh Bay.
- Management and preservation of submerged cultural heritage.
- Critical edition and transcription of an original historical document.
Who is it recommended for?
This book is intended for historians, archaeologists, students of modern and naval history, as well as readers interested in true tales of adventure, shipwrecks, and cultural heritage. It is especially valuable for those wishing to delve into the history of the Invincible Armada from a documentary and scientific perspective, beyond popular myths.
What this book provides
- Direct access to the transcription of a firsthand historical letter, along with its academic context.
- A multidisciplinary understanding of the episode: history, archaeology, and cultural management.
- A bilingual edition (Spanish and English) that expands its reach to international researchers and readers.
- An update on the most recent archaeological findings at the La Lavia wreck site.
Technical Specifications
- Author: Not specified
- Publisher: MINISTRY OF CULTURE
- Language: Spanish
- Subject: DIARIES, LETTERS, AND NAVIGATION LOGS
- Collection: ARCHIVE
- Binding: Other
- Publication Date: September 2025
- Number of pages: 204
- Weight: 1381 g
Editorial Assessment
This is a reference publication for the study of the Great Armada, combining the value of the original historical document with a rigorous critical apparatus. The inclusion of informative articles on archaeology and heritage management makes it a useful work for both specialists and naval history enthusiasts. Its bilingual edition and the volume's weight (1381 g) suggest a careful presentation, likely illustrated, in keeping with the importance of the subject.