Ceremonies of Possession in Europe's Conquest of the New World, 1492–1640

"The provocative thesis of Ceremonies of Possession, based on research in a dazzling variety of sources and languages, will challenge scholars to fresh examination of colonial foundations. No one interested in the early modern period can afford to neglect this book." Karen Ordahl Kupperman, New York University

"Patricia Seed offers the most convincing alternative to a model of one-directional flow from Europe into the New World. Ceremonies of Possession in Europe's Conquest of the New World, 1492-1640 examines the various strategies and ceremonies that the European colonizing powers used to confirm their control over New World possessions. She illustrates both the actions performed by, and the cultural histories that influenced 'ceremonies of possession' conducted by, the major colonizing nations--England, France, Spain, Portugal, and the Netherlands....Seed offers convincing cultural readings of the various ceremonies on which the distinct powers relied." William and Mary Quarterly

"The details of Seed's heroic research are fascinating and the delineation of cultural differences utterly convincing....[P]rovides a powerful perspective for linking the histories of early modern Europe and the newly colonized Americas as consisting of more than just the exchange of smallpox for syphilis or wheat for corn." Charles L. Cohen, Sixteenth Century Journal

"...her committment to comparative history will inspire others to follow in her footsteps. Her work is to be applauded." Richard C. Trexler, Journal of Social History