This book examines the career of Pedro de Alfaro, a Spanish Franciscan whose 1579 mission to China collapsed amid accusations of illegal entry and espionage. The author analyzes his remarkable assessment of China's military and civil infrastructure, which had the effect of permanently changing Spanish plans for a conquest of China.
Inhaltsverzeichnis
Introduction: "Not Worth Anything to a Historian:" The Search for Pedro de Alfaro
Chapter One: "We Did Nothing But Dream of China:" Pedro de Alfaro's Historical Context
Chapter Two: "Bouquets of Silver:" The Spanish Philippines
Chapter Three: "The Spirit of the Lord is Never Idle:" The Mission to China
Chapter Four: "They Can Put Us All to the Knife If They Wish:" The End of the Conquest Dream
Chapter Five: "King of the Ocean Sea"? : 1580 as Catalyst for the Pacific World
Conclusion: "Such Burdensome Labors and Sorrows:" The World After Pedro de Alfaro
Appendix
