Seeing Like a Statesman in Early Stuart England

Abstract

The professional news-writer known as John Flower (fl. 1630) wrote his reports in a particular style. For example, in relating the exploits of King Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden, Flower dwelt on the king’s talent for misdirection. In mid-December 1631 Flower wrote that ‘whereas the rumor ran strongelie’ that the Swedes were besieging the city of Mainz, according to the most recent reports Gustavus ‘did but make a shew thereof’ and was instead on his way to besiege Oppenheim. This, too, proved false, and the next week Flower revised himself again: ‘the newes’ of Adolphus’ assault on Oppenheim were ‘since controuled’; ‘now’, Flower continued, ‘it is Credibly reported, that he did but make a shew of doeing so, and turned againe another waie to M[ain]z, w[hi]ch he hath taken’.1 Gustavus’ apparent cunning is partly an artefact of Flower’s exposition. Flower took a reported event, that the king of Sweden’s army appeared to change direction, and inferred an explanation: namely, that the king of Sweden had a secret plan and was putting on ‘a shew’ to deceive his adversaries. One might imagine many alternative explanations, including indecision or the encounter of unexpected obstacles or opportunities. But Flower preferred to explain events with reference to the actors’ hidden intentions.