Introduction

The rich diversity of chapters included in this collection is testament to the wealth of commentary invited by waterborne events throughout the Renaissance and Early Modern periods. Yet, surprisingly, no previous collection has attempted to address the extensive scope of waterborne festivals across Europe. This is all the more surprising given the hold on the poetic imagination of rivers,1 fountains, lakes and seas as well as the essential role played by water – seas, rivers, lakes and canals – in the very survival of communities, cities and countries, providing routes for the transport of goods, services and individuals as well as employment and leisure activities.