ISBN Ceremonies of Possession in Europe's Conquest of the New World, 1492-1640 book History English 207 pages

This work of comparative history explores the array of ceremonies that Europeans performed to mark their taking possession of the New World. Frenchmen reproduced the grandeur of royal processions wherever possible, always ending in dialogue with the indigenous peoples. Spaniards made solemn speeches before launching military attacks. Dutchmen drew intensely detailed maps, scrutinizing harbours and coastlines as they disembarked. The Portuguese superimposed the grid of latitudes upon lands they were later to take by the sword. The English calmly laid out fences and hedges in the manner of their native shires.