Being the Heart of the World: The Pacific and the Fashioning of the Self in New Spain, 1513-1641

Nino Vallen's book challenges established views about identity formation among the elites of colonial Mexico and examines how discussions about the establishment and desirability of transpacific connections interacted with more general debates over why some people deserved certain benefits over others. It contributes to a broader understanding of the early modern self and the ways in which it was shaped by the mobilities of an increasingly globalized world.

Format: Hardback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 12 October 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

In his captivating book, Nino Vallen delves into the intricate tale of New Spain's gradual integration into the Pacific Basin, challenging prevailing notions about the formation of identity among the elites of colonial Mexico. Through a comprehensive examination of the interplay between discussions surrounding the establishment and desirability of transpacific connections and broader debates on the distribution of benefits, Vallen sheds light on the complex dynamics that shaped New Spain's position at the crossroads of transatlantic and transpacific routes. Within these struggles, the shifting place of New Spain in the global landscape became a subject of contention among actors driven by competing notions of deservingness. These actors included the learned councillor, the veteran, the discoverer, the meritorious, the creole, and the merchant, each vying for recognition and privileges in the emerging world order. By reassessing current historiographical narratives on creole identities and worldviews, Being the Heart of the World offers a profound contribution to our understanding of the early modern self and the ways in which it was molded by the ever-expanding forces of globalization. Through meticulous research and a fresh perspective, Vallen weaves together a rich tapestry of historical events, cultural interactions, and social dynamics, providing a comprehensive account of New Spain's place in the broader context of early modern world history.

Weight: 502g
ISBN-13: 9781009322072