An account of the relationship between Sir Walter Ralegh, courtier and explorer, and his treasurer William Sanderson, a rich merchant from the City of London. They became acquainted when Sanderson married Ralegh's niece in 1584, quickly becoming friends. Sanderson funded Ralegh's activities including: the building of Sherborne Castle, the establishment of a colony in Roanoke, as well as Ralegh's expensive lifestyle. Both men played a significant role in developing England's overseas empire, through the use of maritime power. They were involved in improving the use of navigational equipment and ship design. The pair fell out over the financing of Ralegh's trip to find El Dorado in 1595. Ralegh owed Sanderson a large sum of money and never paid him for his role as his treasurer. The two families remained on good terms however, and Sanderson visited Ralegh the night before his execution in 1618. Their 34-year relationship has never before been explored in much detail and Michael Frank's work endeavours to provide an in-depth account of it.