Prospero's America : John Winthrop, Jr., Alchemy, and the Creation of New England Culture, 1606-1676
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This book looks at how early New England was shaped by European science and philosophy. ""Prospero's America"" examines the transfer of alchemical culture to America by one of English colonization's early giants, John Winthrop, Jr. Winthrop participated in a pan-European network of natural philosophers who believed alchemy could improve the human condition and hasten Christ's Second Coming. Walter Woodward demonstrates how Winthrop and his philosophy influenced New England's cultural formation: its settlement, economy, religious toleration, Indian relations, medical practice, witchcraft prosecution, and imperial diplomacy. Winthrop's commitment to pansophic reform led him to found a 'new' London in 1645 as an alchemical research center. That commitment underpinned both his broad religious tolerance and his steadfast advocacy for the Pequot Indians; he overcame harsh censure largely through his expansive administration of alchemical medicine. Winthrop's occult knowledge provided him great authority in witchcraft cases, which as governor he used to permanently put an end to Connecticut witchcraft executions. In England, alchemical networks linked Winthrop to court patronage, which helped him obtain - and later defend - Connecticut's remarkable royal charter. ""Prospero's America"" reconceptualizes the significance of early modern science in shaping New England hand in hand with Puritanism and politics.
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Product details
- Hardback | 336 pages
- 156 x 235 x 26.42mm | 635.03g
- 01 Apr 2010
- The University of North Carolina Press
- Chapel Hill, United States
- English
- New edition
- New edition
- 8 illustrations, 1 map, notes, index
- 0807833010
- 9780807833018
- 3,139,932
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Woodward examines the transfer of alchemical culture to America by one of English colonization's early giants, John Winthrop, Jr. Winthrop participated in a pan-European network of natural philosophers who believed alchemy could improve the human condition and hasten Christ's Second Coming. Woodward demonstrates how Winthrop and his philosophy influenced New England's cultural formation: its settlement, economy, religious toleration, Indian relations, medical practice, witchcraft prosecution, and imperial diplomacy.
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Review quote
"The story is good, revealing how the scientific method emerged from empirical alchemy and giving a brilliant new interpretation of Winthrop's supposed change in attitude toward colonial potentials in his later years."
-"Early American Life"
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-"Early American Life"
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About Walter W. Woodward
WALTER W. WOODWARD is Connecticut state historian and assistant professor of history at the University of Connecticut.
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