ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book highlights how marriage negotiations and agreements brought about intense cultural exchange; literature, theatre, painting, music, architecture — in short, no small part of a country's artistic tastes, as well as its scientific knowledge and techniques — came to be known and either assimilated or adapted in other cultures. It explores of several specific case studies which aims to examine the concept and the practice of cultural transfer. The book explains to understand better how ideas and values were transferred and adapted to diverse local environments. The book also explores three cases in which dynastic marriages demanded the relocation of men — a rare occurrence in early modern Europe. The book describes to stimulate further research on cultural transfer, the circulation of goods, the creation of a cosmopolitan culture in the early modern world, and particularly women's role in all of these activities.
