Political Magic: British Fictions of Savagery and Sovereignty, 1650-1750 In this groundbreaking book, [author's name] delves into the early modern British fictions of exploration and colonialism, shedding light on the lesser-known aspects of political thought during this period. The author argues that these narratives of intercultural contact not only reimagine ideas of sovereignty and popular power but also reveal the unspoken truths about the political status of the commoner. The book focuses on the moments of "savage wonder" provoked by European displays of technological prowess, particularly the trope of the first gunshot, which articulates the origin of consent and political legitimacy in colonial showmanship. At the heart of the book are the works of prominent authors such as Cavendish, Defoe, Behn, Swift, and Haywood, along with contemporary political writing and travelogues. These texts serve as a backdrop to explore the subterranean discourse of sovereignty in the century after Hobbes, highlighting surprising affinities between the governance of savages and Britons. Through a detailed analysis of these works, the author uncovers the lessthanmystical foundation of authority and the ultimate reliance on extreme violence that underpins it.

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