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.

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’. Also a student of wines, he currently lives in Hull, Quebec, with his wife and two sons.

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“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