These large-scale events were in addition to our yearly Early Modern World lecture series that brings international and domestic Early Modernists to the center. The lectures this year continued to reflect the center’s global perspective on early modernity: topics covered included the trans-oceanic circulation of books, imperial gardens in China and the Trelawny Maroons of Jamaica.

We welcomed a new undergraduate concentrator, and the center awarded four graduate students (linked to website) with Early Modern World Research and Travel grants. These funds have been used to support research abroad, including the Canary Islands, Spain, and Germany.

New personnel also joined the center. Jordan Smith joined as the Center Manager; Laura Bass (Associate Professor of Hispanic Studies and History of Art and Architecture) assumed the newly instituted role as designated Director of Undergraduate Studies; and Alani Hicks-Bartlett (Assistant Professor of Comparative Literature, French and Francophone Studies, and Hispanic Studies), along with Richard Rambuss (Nicholas Brown Professor of Oratory and Belles Letters, Professor of English), is serving as a co-representative for the Folger Institute and Library in Washington, DC. We are also happy to announce Benjamin Easton (Hispanic Studies) as the Graduate Student Representative next year.

Thank you for joining us and being a part of the Early Modern World community. We are currently planning a variety of lectures and colloquia on interdisciplinary themes for next year, to reflect, and extend, the range and reach of our research.