Francesco Carletti (1573–1636)

First of all, I must confess that I read the English translation of this volume.

Interesting journal of a young 16th century Florentine merchant who travels around the world (Spain to Cape Verde Islands, West Indies, Panama, Lima, Acapulco, Philippines, Japan, Canton, Macao, Malacca, Goa, St. Helena, Holland and finally home to Florence) 100 years after Columbus when such oceanic voyages in the name of trade had been well established. An easy read (only 270 pages long and well-translated) with details of dress, cuisine, manners galore with glimpses into global trading patterns--the early slave trade, the seamanship and trading competencies of the Portuguese, the basis of the 16th century territorial claims of Spain and Portugal, the religious arrogance of many early Christians in non-Christian lands, and the first signs of the ambition and iron fist of the early Dutch traders that would eventually win for the VOC its global trade supremacy.

A must read for anyone interested in early exploration and trade as it chronicles global trading at the height of the spice trade when men risked their lives for pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves and Indian trade textiles formed the basis of the region's triangular (Europe-West Asia-Southeast Asia) trade.… (more)