Conclusion
-
Felicity Jane Stout
Abstract
The fluid representations, themes and meanings found in Giles Fletcher's texts problematise the later historiographical boundaries that have been imposed on the history of early modern Anglo-Russian relations, as mercantile, diplomatic or ethnographic. Fletcher's writings sit comfortably and yet distinctively within the various accounts of sixteenth-century English encounters with Russia. Lord Burghley's act of suppression confirmed the politically sensitive nature of Fletcher's text as well as the regime's tyranny over the freedom of expression. The analysis of Fletcher's diplomatic reports, his published work of counsel for commonwealth and his love poetry has revealed the importance of recognising the individuality and variety of Elizabethan representations of Russia. The response of the Muscovy Company promulgated a particularly hostile reading of Fletcher's text, as a work with the potential to destroy the continuation of amicable and lucrative relations with Russia.
Abstract
The fluid representations, themes and meanings found in Giles Fletcher's texts problematise the later historiographical boundaries that have been imposed on the history of early modern Anglo-Russian relations, as mercantile, diplomatic or ethnographic. Fletcher's writings sit comfortably and yet distinctively within the various accounts of sixteenth-century English encounters with Russia. Lord Burghley's act of suppression confirmed the politically sensitive nature of Fletcher's text as well as the regime's tyranny over the freedom of expression. The analysis of Fletcher's diplomatic reports, his published work of counsel for commonwealth and his love poetry has revealed the importance of recognising the individuality and variety of Elizabethan representations of Russia. The response of the Muscovy Company promulgated a particularly hostile reading of Fletcher's text, as a work with the potential to destroy the continuation of amicable and lucrative relations with Russia.
Chapters in this book
- Front matter i
- Dedication v
- Contents vii
- List of figures viii
- Acknowledgements ix
- List of abbreviations xi
- Note on style, dates and terminology xiii
- Introduction 1
- 1 An adventuring commonwealth 15
- 2 A commonwealths-man in Russia 59
- 3 Creating a feigned commonwealth 93
- 4 A corrupted commonwealth 117
- 5 A commonwealth counselled 147
- 6 A controversial commonwealth 189
- Conclusion 227
- Select bibliography 232
- Index 244
Chapters in this book
- Front matter i
- Dedication v
- Contents vii
- List of figures viii
- Acknowledgements ix
- List of abbreviations xi
- Note on style, dates and terminology xiii
- Introduction 1
- 1 An adventuring commonwealth 15
- 2 A commonwealths-man in Russia 59
- 3 Creating a feigned commonwealth 93
- 4 A corrupted commonwealth 117
- 5 A commonwealth counselled 147
- 6 A controversial commonwealth 189
- Conclusion 227
- Select bibliography 232
- Index 244
