Africa's Gold Coast Through Portuguese Sources, 1469-1680

This edited volume offers a unique collection of sources written in Portuguese, Latin, Italian, French, and Spanish for Africa's Gold Coast, from the late 15th to 17th century. It provides English translations, many appearing for the first time, and illuminates the late 15th to 17th century relations between the Portuguese empire and the Gold Coast. It also offers comparative materials for other European interlocutors.

Format: Hardback
Length: 456 pages
Publication date: 28 July 2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press

The Portuguese have left a lasting legacy in the region of West Africa, particularly with their records of the Gold Coast. This edited volume presents a remarkable collection of sources written in Portuguese, Latin, Italian, French, and Spanish, spanning from the late 15th to the early 17th century. These sources offer valuable insights into the historical relations between the Portuguese empire and the Gold Coast, shedding light on a period of immense significance.

For students, scholars, and professionals passionate about early modern African, Atlantic, and global history, this volume is a treasure trove. The English translations, many of which appear for the first time, make these sources accessible to a broader audience. In addition to complementing existing translations, these sources provide valuable comparative materials for other European interlocutors stationed on the coast or offshore in their vessels, including Spanish, French, English, and Dutch.

During this concentrated period, particularly in regions where other European-supplied records are scarce, the Portuguese outsiders who documented the Gold Coast have archived essential local ideas, personalities, polities, and cultural forms that shaped the dynamics between the Gold Coast and the Portuguese empire. Their observations and accounts provide a unique perspective on the interactions and exchanges that took place during this time, contributing to our understanding of the complex and multifaceted history of West Africa.

This edited volume is a significant contribution to the field of historical research, offering valuable insights into the past and paving the way for further exploration. Its meticulous attention to detail and comprehensive coverage make it a must-read for anyone interested in the history of the Gold Coast and the broader African continent.

Weight: 814g
Dimension: 163 x 243 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197267066