Items related to America Magica: When Europe Conquered Paradise
America Magica is an account of the conflicting experiences of discovering the New World. Hoping to find Paradise, King Solomon's mines, the Fountain of Youth, headless giants and the armies of the Amazons, America soon became a reflection of the fears and desires of Europe. The authors invoke the unique exhilaration of exploration, finding a basis for the conflict between the ambitious idealism and harsh realities that have always characterized and torn the country. After all, did people not go to America in search of both the Garden of Eden and the tribes of the damned?
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Book Description:
'This succinct book offers a useful synthesis of information concerning the ways Europeans imagined the new lands and peoples they encountered...the way the material is assembled, and the lucidity with which the authors summarise their sources makes this an engaging and perceptive study. A particular feature pf the book is the inclusion of striking black and white illustrations which pepper its pages, providing a helpful counterpart to the narrative... A well-structured and enjoyable read.' —Claire Jowitt, Nottingham-Trent University
'This book is a wondrous map of the early modern worldview, tracing the contours of imagination and reality in the minds of European explorers, missionaries, and conquerors. What is truly delightful in reading (this) fine work is the scope of the collection of their materials. The international quality of the history is a mirror of the international quality of the book itself.' —Laura Ammon, Whittier College
'Offers fascinating insights into the ways in which a rich and complex variety of mythical narratives and images - of earthly paradises, golden cities, women warriors, and strange and wonderful creatures - structured the perceptions of European explorers and settlers of the indigenous peoples and landscapes of the New World.' —Susan Castillo, Professor of American Studies, Kings College London
An enthralling account of the conflicting experiences of discovering the New World, drawing upon the intriguing tales of early discovery and amazing illustrations of the day.
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- PublisherAnthem Press
- Publication date2005
- ISBN 10 1843311852
- ISBN 13 9781843311850
- BindingHardcover
- Number of pages300
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