Writing a New France, 1604-1632: Empire and Early Modern French Identity (Transculturalisms, 1400-1700)

The focus of this study is the exciting period of French overseas exploration directly following the stagnation caused by the Wars of Religion. The book examines the early period of French involvement in Northeastern America through readings of key texts, principally travel and missionary accounts. Among the works examined are travel writings by Marc Lescarbot (Histoire de la Nouvelle-France) and Samuel de Champlain (Voyages), and missionary works by Gabriel Sagard (Dictionnaire de la Langue Huronne, Histoire du Canada), Jean de Brebeuf, and Paul le Jeune (early Relations de Jesuites). Through a careful examination of these texts, the author discerns a French 'rewriting of the self' in relation to the American other, represented by both land and people. America, Brazeau argues, allowed a consolidation of past markers of identity, and forced a radical rereading of others, due to the difficulties presented by the Canadian wilderness and its natives. "Writing a New France, 1604-1632" sheds fresh light on a significant moment in French colonial history while providing an innovative contribution to the understanding of early modern French identity and cultural contact. The focus of this study is the exciting period of French overseas exploration directly following the stagnation caused by the Wars of Religion. The book examines the early period of French involvement in Northeastern America through readings of key texts, principally travel and missionary accounts. Among the works examined are travel writings by Marc Lescarbot (Histoire de la Nouvelle-France) and Samuel de Champlain (Voyages), and missionary works by Gabriel Sagard (Dictionnaire de la Langue Huronne, Histoire du Canada), Jean de Brébeuf, and Paul le Jeune (early Relations de Jésuites). Through a careful examination of these texts, the author discerns a French'rewriting of the self'in relation to the American other, represented by both land and people. America, Brazeau argues, allowed a consolidation of past markers of identity, and forced a radical rereading of others, due to the difficulties presented by the Canadian wilderness and its natives. Writing a New France, 1604-1632 sheds fresh light on a significant moment in French colonial history while providing an innovative contribution to the understanding of early modern French identity and cultural contact. The Focus Of This Study Is The Exciting Period Of French Overseas Exploration Directly Following The Stagnation Caused By The Wars Of Religion. The Book Examines The Early Period Of French Involvement In Northeastern America Through Readings Of Key Texts, Principally Travel And Missionary Accounts. Among The Works Examined Are Travel Writings By Marc Lescarbot (histoire De La Nouvelle-france) And Samuel De Champlain (voyoges), And Missionary Works By Gabriel Sagard (dictionnoaire De La Langue Huronne, Histoire Du Canada), Jean De Brebeuf And Paul Le Jeune (early Relations De Jesuites). Through A Careful Examination Of These Texts, The Author Discerns A French Rewriting Of The Self In Relation To The American Other, Represented By Both Land And People. America, Brazeau Argues, Allowed A Consolidation Of Past Markers Of Identity, And Forced A Radical Rereading Of Others, Due To The Difficulties Presented By The Canadian Wilderness And Its Natives.--jacket. Brian Brazeau. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. Writing a New France, 1604-1632 focuses on French reactions to contact with the New World. Through key early-modern travel and missionary accounts, the author traces a French ""rewriting of the self"" in America. This study sheds fresh light on a significant moment in French colonial history while providing an innovative contribution to the understanding of early modern French identity and cultural contact Focuses on the exciting period of French overseas exploration directly following the stagnation caused by the Wars of Religion. This book examines the early period of French involvement in Northeastern America through readings of key texts, principally travel and missionary accounts.