ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the dynamics of sexual fantasy in early modern travel, both the disciplining of fantasy and desire, and those occasions in which they flourished in a less inhibited way. It explores an array of printed sources but need to stay sensitive to differences of rhetorical occasion. However, the fullest opportunity to explore the possibilities for sexual fantasy emerged in the genre of the imaginary voyage. The chapter also focuses on Neville's anonymous text, which spanned only nine pages of print when its first edition appeared in 1668. Neville exploited the strong potential for fantasy in travel which was side-stepped in 'authentic' relations for the most part. As a work of fantasy, Neville's text explores male desire, offering a form of wish fulfilment achieved at a narrative level. The appeal of his work depends on presentation of willing female participants who respond unproblematically to male advances, together with acceptance of male political authority.
