The Discovery of Muscovy

The Discovery of Muscovy, written by Richard Hakluyt and first published in 1889, chronicles the early maritime voyages between England and Russia during Queen Elizabeth I's reign. It focuses on the expedition led by Sir Hugh Willoughby and Richard Chancellor, which aimed to establish trade routes with Muscovy, ruled by Ivan the Terrible. Hakluyt provides context on the geopolitical climate of the time, detailing the preparations for the journey and Chancellor's interactions with Russian officials after Willoughby's crew faced disaster. This work highlights the challenges of exploration and the significance of early cultural encounters.