Paulmier de Gonneville and Portugal: a Norman navigator in the first globalization

Abstract

Partially known since the 17th century and published in its entirety in 1869, the account of the expedition made to India in 1503 by Binot Paulmier Gonneville that took him to Brazil has been the object of several criticisms that, although unfounded, have discredited its authenticity for around twenty years. So far too often studied in the narrow frontiers of national historiography (whether French, Portuguese or Brazilian), the text, when integrated into a more global understanding of the Atlantic trade’s history, reveals links between Portuguese and French sailors. Competition could be fierce between European vessels, but they know each other, lay off,  exchange information, and also spy each other, for the French (or rather Norman) investors hope to take advantage of the road to the East Indies opening.

https://doi.org/10.14195/1645-2259_16_5