Encountering the Pacific in the Age of the Enlightenment

Surveys the encounters between Europeans and the peoples of the Pacific in the age of Enlightenment.

John Gascoigne (Author)

9780521879590, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 20 February 2014

574 pages, 70 b/w illus. 12 maps
22.8 x 15.2 x 3.5 cm, 0.99 kg

'Encountering the Pacific in the Age of the Enlightenment makes an important contribution and will be an important resource for historians of science and others who work on the region.' Coll Thrush, Isis

The Pacific Ocean was the setting for the last great chapter in the convergence of humankind from across the globe. Driven by Enlightenment ideals, Europeans sought to extend control to all quarters of the earth through the spread of beliefs, the promotion of trade and the acquisition of new knowledge. This book surveys the consequent encounters between European expansionism and the peoples of the Pacific. John Gascoigne weaves together the stories of British, French, Spanish, Dutch and Russian voyages to destinations throughout the Pacific region. In a lively and lucid style, he brings to life the idealism, adventures and frustrations of a colourful cast of historical figures. Drawing upon a range of fields, he explores the complexities of the relationships between European and Pacific peoples. Richly illustrated with historical images and maps, this seminal work provides new perspectives on the significance of European contact with the Pacific in the Enlightenment.

1. Introduction: the peopling of the Pacific
Part I. Global Convergences: The Pacific and a Wider World to the End of the Seven Years War (1756–63): 2. Exploration, empire and encounter
3. Belief
4. Wealth
5. Knowledge
Part II. Completing the Globe: Charting the Pacific, 1763 to the Eve of the French Revolution: 6. Exploration, empire and encounter
7. Belief
8. Wealth
9. Knowledge
Part III. Tightening Global Ties: The Pacific from the French Revolution to the Beginning of the Napoleonic Empire, 1789–1804: 10. Exploration, empire and encounter
11. Belief
12. Wealth
13. Knowledge
14. Conclusion: a common humanity?
15. Epilogue.

Subject Areas: Early modern history: c 1450/1500 to c 1700 [HBLH], Australasian & Pacific history [HBJM], European history [HBJD]