I posted a question yesterday asking for some links about guilds during Shakespeare's time. I have two more questions. The first one: Are Sea Dogs basically pirates or mapmakers? Or are they both? The second question: What exactly are the "tools of trade" for the Sea Dogs? Are they the things they sell? Your answers are greatly appreciated by me. :)

"The greatness that Hawkins, Drake, Frobisher, and other sea-dogs were winning for England off distant shores, along with Spanish bullion ships, Shakespeare was reaping for her language from the treasures of classical antiquity, refashioned by his venturesome imagination, turning it into what "may be the greatest symbol system the world has ever devised," as Professor Richard Mitchell, father of the Underground Grammarian, called it in an interview in Time. In our fixation upon the Stratford man we have closed our eyes to the outstanding story in our cultural history."
from (Broken Link Removed)

=)

Nikki, they were all - pirates (freebooters) , adventurers extending the English realm and making England the Queen of the Seas. They made England the dominant influence in world trade, politics for a century. It was said that as a result "the sun never set on the British Empire."

"tools of the trade" are the things you use to carry on business. For the Sea Dogs, maybe you could say ships, guns, cutlasses, maps, etc. By the way, they developed some of the fastest sailing ships ever used- clippers.

Sea Dogs were primarily privateers, which means they were authorized by the government to attack and seize enemy ships during wartime. While they engaged in piratical activities, they were not considered outright pirates. Additionally, they were not mapmakers, although they relied on maps and navigational tools for their expeditions.

To confirm this information and find more details about Sea Dogs, you can conduct a search on reliable sources such as academic websites, historical books, or reputable online databases. You can use search terms such as "Sea Dogs during Shakespeare's time" or "privateers in Elizabethan England." This will help you access credible information and sources related to the topic.

Regarding the "tools of trade" for Sea Dogs, these refer to the essential equipment or items necessary for their trade or business. For Sea Dogs, these tools would include various items required for their maritime ventures. Some examples would be ships, cannons, firearms, cutlasses, navigational charts, compasses, sextants, and other sailing equipment. These tools were essential for their expeditions and engaging in naval warfare.

To obtain further information about the specific tools and equipment used by Sea Dogs, you can consult historical records, journals, or accounts of their activities. Additionally, you can refer to academic studies or books that focus on the maritime history of that period. These sources will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the tools utilized by Sea Dogs during Shakespeare's time.

Remember to always cross-reference information from different sources to ensure accuracy and to have a well-rounded comprehension of the topic.