Nathaniel's Nutmeg: Or, The True and Incredible Adventures of the Spice Trader Who Changed the Course of History

Run, a tiny island in the Indonesian archipelago measuring two miles long and half a mile wide, became the center of a major conflict 370 years ago. Its nutmeg harvest generated a 3,200 percent profit by the time it reached England, making Run the most valuable of the Spice Islands and sparking a battle between the Dutch East India Company and the British Crown. Nathaniel Courthope and a small group of adventurers were sent to Run in 1616 and successfully defended the island against the Dutch navy for four years. The conflict ultimately resulted in one of history's most significant territorial exchanges: Britain ceded Run to Holland in exchange for Manhattan, an outcome that led to the founding of New York and the beginning of the British Empire. This book examines the confrontation between Courthope and Dutch Governor General Jan Coen, as well as the experiences of mariners who traveled globally to profit from the spice trade. Based on historical research and written in the style of a historical adventure narrative, the account includes maps and illustrations documenting voyages, commerce, and political dealings during the Age of Exploration.