The virtue of temperance is examined in the context of Renaissance views of morality as they pertain to the colonization of the new world and West Indies. Evans (English, Northwestern U.) argues that the concept served as a convenient lens by which to view the indigenous peoples in new lands as well as acting as a signal to and bulwark of civilization. Interpretations of period works such as The Faerie Queene and The Tempest as well as sermons and cultural and visual artifacts are used to illustrate the central thesis and provide cultural context. Annotation ©2012 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)