Mimesis and Empire

As powerful, pointed imitation, cultural mimesis can effect inclusion in a polity, threaten state legitimacy, or undo the originality upon which such legitimacy is based. In Mimesis and Empire Barbara Fuchs explores the intricate dynamics of imitation and contradistinction among early modern European powers in literary and historiographical texts from sixteenth- and early seventeenth-century Spain, Italy, England, and the New World. The book considers a broad sweep of material, including European representations of New World subjects and of Islam, both portrayed as ‘other’ in contemporary texts. It supplements the transatlantic perspective on early modern imperialism with an awareness of the situation in the Mediterranean and considers problems of reading and literary transmission; imperial ideology and colonial identities; counterfeits and forgery; and piracy.

• Offers comparative look at European and New World early modern culture • Brings post-colonial approach to bear on the early modern period • Combines theoretical and historical methodologies

Introduction; 1. Truth, fictions, and the New World; 2. Literary loyalties, imperial betrayals; 3. Lettered subjects; 4. Virtual Spaniards; 5. Faithless empires; 6. Pirating Spain; Conclusion.

‘Fuchs reads many of her texts with probing insight and imagination, and the breadth of her knowledge is very impressive.’ Renaissance Quarterly

‘Fuchs is an astute and imaginative reader of texts. Her emphasis on the circulation of \'counterfeited\' identities … alone, is refreshing.’ Itinerario

‘Recovering that sense of the self-evident importance of Islam to early modern Europe is a valuable project. Barbara Fuch’s significant contribution to that begins as a corrective to recent writings on early modern colonialism; she rightly insists that European imperialism, and European identities, be seen not only in relation to the example of Rome, but also to Islam.’ Sixteenth Century Journal

‘An intelligent and balanced book - and a necessary eye-opener on the triangulation of Europe, the Mediterranean and America in the early modern period.’ Seventeenth Century News