The Familiarity of Strangers
Book description
Taking a new approach to the study of cross-cultural trade, this book blends archival research with historical narrative and economic analysis to understand how the Sephardic Jews of Livorno, Tuscany, traded in regions near and far in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Francesca Trivellato tests assumptions about ethnic and religious…
Why read it?
1 author picked The Familiarity of Strangers as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?
I especially admire this book because it shows how diversity is key to strong, successful networking. The central message here: even way back in the 17th century, “strangers” half a world away from each other could be more valuable and trustworthy partners in transnational business than close relatives.
Networked Hindus, Sephardic Jews, and Portuguese Catholics trading coral and diamonds populate these pages. Already regarded as a gem of a work.
From Laura's list on histories of merchant networks: messy, diverse, transnational, and transcultural.
Want books like The Familiarity of Strangers?
Our community of 11,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like The Familiarity of Strangers.
Browse books like The Familiarity of Strangers
5 book lists we think you will like!
Interested in the early modern period, Tuscany, and Jewish history?
11,000+ authors have recommended their favorite books and what they love about them. Browse their picks for the best books about the early modern period, Tuscany, and Jewish history.