Examines the intelligence war behind the sea battles of 1588 to reveal lesser-known factors that led to England's dramatic victory, challenging popular theories to argue that the Spanish Armada was defeated by inclement weather and bad luck.

The enemy within -- Rumours of war -- Ramparts of earth and manure -- The great and most fortunate Navy -- First sighting -- Action this day -- Firestorm -- Fleeing for home -- Shipwrecked upon an alien shore -- 'God be praised for all his works' -- The english armada -- Epilogue -- Appendix I: Order of battle of English fleet -- Appendix II: Order of battle of Spanish Fleet -- Chronology -- Dramatis persona -- Glossary.