An international study of warfare at sea in this period. Commencing in the late 15th century with the introduction of gunpowder in naval warfare and the rapid transformation of maritime trade, this text focuses on the scope and limitations of war before the advent of the big battle fleets from the middle of the 17th century. The book also compares the social history of seamen and the early officer corps in several European countries and includes discussion on Spain, Portugal, France, Venice, the Ottoman Empire and the Baltic states.