Thomas Harriot

eBook, ePUB

A Briefe and True Report of the New Found Land of Virginia (eBook, ePUB)

Exploration and Colonial Insights in Early American Literature

Beschreibung

Thomas Harriot's "A Briefe and True Report of the New Found Land of Virginia" is a seminal work in the canon of early American literature, offering an intricate portrayal of the Native American societies and the land encountered by English explorers in the late 16th century. Written in a straightforward yet eloquent style, Harriot's account blends scientific observation with personal narrative, rooted in the burgeoning interest in the New World during the Elizabethan era. His work is characterized by a meticulous attention to detail and an ambitious attempt to provide a comprehensive overview of Virginia's geography, flora, fauna, and indigenous cultures, thereby establishing a foundational text in both travel literature and ethnography. Harriot, a mathematician and astronomer, was a member of Sir Walter Raleigh's exploratory mission to Virginia. His academic background and personal curiosity regarding the natural world drove him to document his observations with rigor and precision. Harriot's immersion in the intellectual currents of his time, including the Renaissance's thirst for knowledge and exploration, positioned him as a crucial figure in promoting a scientifically-informed understanding of the New World amidst the wave of colonization and European expansion. This book is highly recommended for readers interested in early colonial history, cross-cultural encounters, and the evolution of travel writing. Harriot's insightful observations and vivid descriptions provide a captivating glimpse into a transformative period in American history, making it essential reading for scholars, history enthusiasts, and anyone seeking to grasp the complexities of America's founding narratives.

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Autor

Thomas Harriot (c. 1560 - 2 July 1621), an English astronomer, mathematician, ethnographer, and translator, is credited with remarkable contributions to the advancement of various scientific domains during the Elizabethan era. One of his most notable works is 'A Briefe and True Report of the New Found Land of Virginia' (1588), a significant publication that offered the early English-speaking world its first detailed depiction of the landscape, natural resources, indigenous peoples, and potential for colonization of what is today the American state of Virginia. Harriot's account stemmed from his participation in the expedition to the New World led by Sir Walter Raleigh, who sponsored Harriot's researches and recognitions (Shirley, 1985). As an adept observer and recorder, Harriot's ethnographic work predated the more often celebrated accounts by John Smith by over two decades, providing an early example of methodologies that would become crucial to the field. His literary style combined keen empirical descriptions with a prosaic delivery that aimed to inform and persuade a European audience of the possibilities presented by the New World. Beyond his contribution to early American literature, Harriot was also a pioneer in celestial navigation and a proponent of the use of the telescope for astronomical observations, further cementing his legacy as a polymath and a key figure in the scientific revolution of the Renaissance period (Kargon, 1966).

Produktdetails

• Verlag: Good Press
• Seitenzahl: 130
• Erscheinungstermin: 16. März 2020
• Englisch
• ISBN-13: 4064066098285
• Artikelnr.: 59241522