[Vast Buffalo Wing Conspiracy]

For an excellent history of the Battle of Lepanto, and also an excellent example of the art of narrative prose, read "The Galleys at Lepanto" by Jack Beeching. I believe it is out of print, but you can find used copies for sale at amazon.com and other places. It's a riveting read.

[Eternal_Bear]

In 1571, the Spainiards were the glorious defenders of the West. In 1588 they had become the cruel embodiment of the "Black Legend" as they sailed their Imperial Fleet against Albion, last bastion of freedom. What an irony.