Prospero's America: John Winthrop, Jr., Alchemy, and the Creation of New England Culture, 1606-1676

In Prospero's America, Walter W. Woodward examines the transfer of alchemical culture to America by John Winthrop, Jr., one of English colonization's early giants. 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 the influence of Winthrop and his philosophy on New England's cultural formation: its settlement, economy, religious toleration, Indian relations, medical practice, witchcraft prosecution, and imperial diplomacy. Prospero's America reconceptualizes the significance of early modern science in shaping New England hand in hand with Puritanism and politics.

Author: Walter W. Woodward
Publisher: Omohundro Institute and Unc Press
Published: 02/01/2013
Pages: 336
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 1.05lbs
Size: 9.10h x 6.10w x 0.80d
ISBN13: 9781469600871
ISBN10: 1469600870
BISAC Categories:
- History | United States | Colonial Period (1600-1775)
- History | United States | State & Local | New England (CT, MA, ME, NH,
- Science | Chemistry | General