Added a bunch of new folks - if you're wondering how I found you it's probably because you confessed an interest in GIS and maps, faire, or gaming (or all 3).
The Secret Voyage of Sir Francis Drake by Samuel Bawlf and quite enjoying it. Apparently Drake took a break from harrassing the Spanish in order to look for the ever elusive Northwest Passage - from the Pacific end. The book seems very well researched and is a good read.