Atlantic Lives: A Comparative Approach to Early America

Atlantic Lives provides an in-depth exploration of the experiences of various actors in the early modern Atlantic World, featuring primary source selections from non-traditional sources and addressing the roles of women, Native Americans, Africans, and emerging capitalism and New World slavery.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 214 pages
Publication date: 29 January 2019
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Atlantic Lives provides a deep exploration into the diverse experiences of a wide range of individuals during the early modern era of the Atlantic World. The book is organized thematically, with each chapter featuring primary source selections from various non-traditional sources, such as travel narratives from West Africa, the Caribbean, and Latin America. The second edition of the book has been thoroughly revised and expanded, delving even deeper into the roles and experiences of women, Native Americans, and Africans, as well as the critical theme of emerging capitalism and New World slavery. Additionally, new chapters have been added to address captivity experiences, intercultural religious encounters, and interracial sexuality and marriage. Accompanied by classroom-focused discussion questions and suggested additional readings, Atlantic Lives offers students a comprehensive introduction to the many voices and identities that shaped the Atlantic World.

The book's thematic organization allows for a comprehensive examination of various aspects of life in the Atlantic World. Each chapter focuses on a specific theme, such as trade, migration, or religion, and includes primary source selections that shed light on the experiences of different groups. For example, in the chapter on trade, readers are introduced to merchant accounts, ship logs, and trade agreements, which provide insights into the economic and commercial relationships between Europe, Africa, and the Americas. Similarly, the chapter on migration explores the experiences of individuals who traveled across the Atlantic, including their challenges, hardships, and opportunities.

One of the key strengths of Atlantic Lives is its use of non-traditional sources. These sources provide a fresh perspective on the history of the Atlantic World and challenge traditional narratives that may have marginalized certain groups or perspectives. For example, travel narratives from West Africa, the Caribbean, and Latin America offer a glimpse into the lives of individuals who were not traditionally included in historical accounts. These narratives provide valuable insights into the cultural practices, beliefs, and experiences of these communities, and help to fill in the gaps in our understanding of the Atlantic World.

The second edition of Atlantic Lives has been expanded to include even more primary source selections and to delve deeper into the experiences of women, Native Americans, and Africans. This expansion reflects the growing recognition of the importance of these groups in shaping the history of the Atlantic World. The book also addresses the critical theme of emerging capitalism and New World slavery, which played a significant role in shaping the lives of individuals in the region. By exploring the economic, social, and political implications of these developments, Atlantic Lives provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the complex and multifaceted nature of the early modern Atlantic World.

In addition to its thematic organization and use of non-traditional sources, Atlantic Lives is also well-suited for classroom use. The book includes classroom-focused discussion questions and suggested additional readings that help students engage with the material and develop their critical thinking skills. These resources also provide teachers with a wealth of information and ideas for further research and exploration, allowing them to deepen their understanding of the Atlantic World and its significance in world history.

Overall, Atlantic Lives is a valuable resource for students, scholars, and anyone interested in learning more about the history of the Atlantic World. The book's comprehensive approach, use of non-traditional sources, and focus on the experiences of diverse groups make it an essential addition to any curriculum. By providing a wide-ranging introduction to the many voices and identities that comprised the Atlantic World, Atlantic Lives helps to promote a more inclusive and nuanced understanding of our shared history.

Weight: 412g
Dimension: 255 x 175 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781138577732
Edition number: 2 New edition