By consulting rare manuscripts, images, maps, and books, Jonathan Hart explores the relatively neglected empires of Portugal and the Netherlands to draw new conclusions about those of Spain, France, and England (as well as its successor the US). The book ranges from the Portuguese voyages to Africa to the Spanish-American War of 1898 and concentrates on the frictions and shifting rivalries among the empires.

Autorentext
JONATHAN HART is the Director of the Institute for Renaissance Studies at the University of Edmonton, where he holds appointments in both English and History. Last year he was visiting Professor at Princeton University. He holds a joint Ph.D. in Literature and History, and has published widely on Shakespeare, Renaissance Literature, and the development of European empires.

Inhalt
Introduction Portugal and After Spain, England and France From Portugal to the United States