The Discovery of Muscovy

"The Discovery of Muscovy" by Richard Hakluyt is a historical narrative from the late 19th century that tells the story of when England first started trading with Russia while Queen Elizabeth I was in power. It follows the journey of Sir Hugh Willoughby and Richard Chancellor, who were trying to set up trade and friendship with Muscovy, which was ruled by Ivan the Terrible. The story begins with an explanation of why these trips were happening, explaining that London merchants needed new places to sell things because business was slow at home, especially when Spain and Portugal were getting rich from new discoveries. The book describes how the ships were built and stocked for the long voyage. The story specifically highlights the challenges Chancellor faced when communicating with Russian leaders after Willoughby and his team ran into unexpected tragedy. The beginning of the book introduces a story connected to the struggles of early exploration and explains how important it was when two very different cultures met for the first time, putting emphasis on courage, business, and discovering new things.