Includes bibliographical references (pages 481-528) and index. Subject's name is spelled Ralegh throughout book.
Contents:
Toward an empire -- Annoying the king of Spain : blueprints, legalities, and baby steps -- Ralegh and the Second Desmond War -- "A man noted of not good happ by sea:" Humphrey Gilbert prepares to colonize America -- The case for genocide : George Peckham visualizes colonization -- The courtier -- The cult of Elizabeth -- Planting a New World colony -- Summer of discontent -- Singeing the Spaniard's beard -- A briefe and true report -- Publicizing Ralegh's Virginia -- Fire and smoke : the Hermeticists' Indians -- Planning the Munster plantation -- Bloodlines : Captain Ralegh and the Desmonds -- Ralegh in Youghal -- Preparing the plantation : establishing authority -- Resistance to plantation -- Ralegh's colonists -- The plantation economy -- Of friendship, marriage, and goddesses -- A courtier's disgrace and the shipping of staves -- The search for El Dorado -- The discovery of Guiana -- The benevolent empire -- Wheel of fortune -- Reincarnation : Ireland and the course of colonialism -- Treasons -- The great cordial -- Prince Henry -- History of the world -- "He called to the headman to shew him the ax."
Summary:
"Sir Walter Ralegh was a favorite of Queen Elizabeth. She showered him with estates and political appointments. He envisioned her becoming empress of a universal empire. She gave him the opportunity to lead the way. In Walter Ralegh, Alan Gallay shows that, while Ralegh may be best known for founding the failed Roanoke colony, his historical importance vastly exceeds that enterprise. Inspired by the mystical religious philosophy of hermeticism, Ralegh led English attempts to colonize in North America, South America, and Ireland. He believed that the answer to English fears of national decline resided overseas -- and that colonialism could be achieved without conquest. Gallay reveals how Ralegh launched the English Empire and an era of colonization that shaped Western history for centuries after his death".--Amazon.com.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.