Overview

A briefe and true report of the new found land of Virginia presents an early and vivid depiction of one of the first English encounters with North America. The work documents the geography, flora, fauna, and people of Virginia, combining observation with persuasion to promote the promise of colonization. It highlights the abundance of natural resources, from fertile soil and abundant wildlife to valuable plants and minerals, portraying the land as rich with potential for settlement and trade. Alongside these descriptions, the book provides insight into the agricultural practices and social customs of the indigenous population, showing both curiosity and admiration for their way of life. The narrative serves as both a scientific record and a strategic appeal to investors, emphasizing the economic and cultural opportunities the New World offered. Through its detailed and measured tone, the work bridges exploration and advocacy, becoming one of the foundational texts that shaped European perceptions of America.

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9789374839485

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Thomas Hariot was an English astronomer, mathematician, and ethnographer known for his wide-ranging intellect and scientific curiosity. Born in 1560 in Oxford to Charles and Agnes Hariot, he studied at the University of Oxford, where he developed a deep interest in mathematics and natural philosophy. Hariot made significant contributions to early modern science, notably formulating a theory of refraction before it was more widely known in later works by others. His work extended to astronomy, where he was among the first in England to use a telescope for celestial observation, preceding many contemporaries in mapping the moon's surface. As a mathematician, he made advances in algebra and symbolic notation, anticipating later developments in analytical geometry. Beyond science, he also served as a translator and ethnographer, documenting his experiences and observations during early English exploration of the Americas. His careful records of indigenous cultures and natural environments added depth to the European understanding of the New World. Harriot's legacy endures as that of a brilliant but understated figure in the scientific revolution.

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