Description
Thomas Gage’s The English- American A New Survey of the West Indies (London, 1648) is the account of his travels through Mexico and Guatemala. The book and its focus should be made more available to a general public. This could be accomplished by making Gage’s account of his journey through this part of the New World more visible through using maps of the places he visited and images of the flora, fauna and people he described. To that end, Dr. RoseAnna Mueller examined the Ayer collection of Gage’s editions and translations.
Gage’s hybrid text defies categorization, since it could be classified as a journal, a memoir, a diary and a relación. The book covers a variety of topics about early America and Caribbean: transatlantic slavery, early modern religion, literature, politics, material culture, foodways, cartography, anthropology and more.
Dr. Mueller focuses on the chapter titled “Concerning two daily and common drinks or potions much used in the Indias, called chocolate and atole,” a wordy chapter about a beverage that seemed to have addicted him. Chocolate had its origins in Mesoamerica. The Spanish adapted the beverage using spices, honey, and chile. Gage gives many recipes and methods for its preparation and its effects. This chapter includes the frightening and striking but perhaps exaggerated story about Don Bernardino de Salazar, the Bishop of Chiapa and his women parishioners.
About Colloquium
Colloquium is a weekly series of talks featuring staff, fellows, and scholars who are working with the library’s vast collections. These events bring together experts from various fields to share their research on a wide range of topics, followed by an opportunity for the audience to ask questions and engage in conversation.
Colloquium is open to the public and offers a chance to explore fascinating ideas and new discoveries. No advance registration is required.