Before Orientalism: London's Theatre of the East 1576-1626

Abstract

"Before Orientalism examines early Anglo-Indian cultural relations through trade (with the establishment of the East India Company), tourism, and diplomacy and illuminates important differences between the reports of travelers and the representations of the London press and stage." "Richmond Barbour examines exotic visions of "the East" as staged in the playhouses, at court, and on the streets of Shakespeare's London. He follows the efforts of the newly established East India Company, and the troubled, deeply theatrical careers of England's first tourist and first ambassador in India, Thomas Coryate and Sir Thomas Roe. The wide range of illustrations depicts early modern London's theatricalization of the world and exotic representations of "the East" and reveals European influences on Moghul art and Moghul influences on English representations."--Jacket.