Caspar Barlaeus, Rerum per octennium in Brasilia et alibi nuper gestarum sub praefectura J. Mauritii, Nassoviae, 1647 1647

Curator: Well, hello there. Before us we have a fascinating object, it's the 1647 edition of "Rerum per octennium in Brasilia et alibi nuper gestarum sub praefectura J. Mauritii, Nassoviae." Quite a mouthful, I know! Written by Caspar Barlaeus, or Caspar van Baerle if you prefer the Dutch. Editor: My first impression is… understated elegance. There’s a certain muted quality to it, the creamy beige against that pale gray creates such a subtle palette, very soothing somehow. A contrast to the presumably rather riotous content it contains. Curator: Exactly! This book details eight years of history in Brazil and elsewhere under the command of Johan Maurits of Nassau, and was printed on paper during the Dutch Golden Age. These aren't the colours we may expect for such a flamboyant subject. Editor: Right, makes me wonder if that subdued cover was perhaps intended. The Dutch Golden Age was anything but, if you ask me, so intensely competitive. The outside may appear modest but maybe this book wanted to set itself apart with understated confidence. It’s got secrets to spill, but it doesn’t scream. Curator: An interesting interpretation. I hadn’t thought of it that way, but it could definitely be a power play in book form. To know its power rather than have it show. The title alone already demonstrates what a statement of intent that piece of writing is! Editor: Makes me want to actually dive into the contents and contrast them to the "plainness" of the outside! Books often feel like time capsules, this one seems determined to take us back, on its own quiet but authorative terms. It would probably take our focus away from modern interpretations and closer to the moment of its creation. Curator: Perhaps this book represents how history should be viewed. Carefully and methodically examined before jumping to any immediate conclusions. Food for thought! Editor: Indeed. Thank you for your insightful, well… thoughts! Now I'm definitely feeling an urge to read some colonial-era history. Curator: Likewise! What better way to spend an afternoon than diving deep into tales of old Brazil, through the eyes of a 17th century Dutchman!