Discovering Empire: English Imitation of Spanish Expansion

Abstract

This paper examines a cosmographical text, the “Summa Geographia,” written by the Spaniard Martin Enciso in 1519, in relation to two translations, the first by Roger Barlow in 1541, and the second by John Frampton in 1578. The original Spanish text, as well as the two subsequent English translations, are used to establish some of the core elements of the Spanish imperial model, and to trace English perceptions of the Spanish Empire overtime. One sees how English merchants, as private, globally-informed citizens, had a uniquely informed perspective on the means of Spanish dominance. Through these texts, one sees in Spain and England the growing importance of detailed geographical knowledge, use of the vernacular language, establishment of a national identity through language and religion, focus on cultivation over exploitation in colonial expansion, awareness of opportunities in the Americas, and empowerment of private actors as agents of the state.