A Silver River in a Silver World
Dutch Trade in the Rio de la Plata, 1648–1678

Drawing on a wide and rich array of sources, this book explores the nature and extent of Dutch trade and commerce in the Río de la Plata during three decades of the least-studied century (1650–1750) of Spain's rule in the Americas. In doing so, it raises important questions about trade in colonial South America and how it was impacted by the Dutch, suggesting that these transactions were carried out within the confines of the law, contradicting common beliefs among scholars that this trading was not regulated. The book contributes to a growing literature on contraband trade, administration, networks, and corruption while challenging narratives of exclusively Spanish influence on the Americas.

Reviews & endorsements

'In this valuable new book, David Freeman has illuminated the complexity and importance of Dutch commercial connections with the Rio e la Plata in the seventeenth century, thus revising our understanding of both colonial administration and the organization of the regional economy. Based on impressive archival research, this well-researched volume thus provides valuable new insights into the form and structure of Dutch and other foreign trade through Buenos Aires to the silver-producing centers of the Andes.' Lyman Johnson, University of North Carolina, Charlotte

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Product details

• Date Published: April 2020
• format: Hardback
• isbn: 9781108417495
• length: 238 pages

• dimensions: 235 x 158 x 18 mm
• weight: 0.47kg
• contains: 2 maps
• availability: In stock