Filtered by Category:Cartographic Myths(Show All Categories)
Articles
9 articles
Norumbega: The Dream Behind New England
This August 2024 article explores the cartographic myth of Norumbega, a region that appeared in the vicinity of present-day New England on maps of the New World in the 16th and 17th centuries. It discusses the roots of Norumbega as a place name, geographical region, and colonial concept, starting with the voyage of Giovanni da Verrazzano and culminating in the exploration and establishment of New England.
Frisland and the (Not So True) Adventures of the Zeno Brothers
This August 2022 article explains the story behind the mythical island of Frisland, which was purported to be located in the North Atlantic Ocean south of Iceland. The island was reportedly discovered by the Zeno brothers in the 14th century, and was first introduced to Europeans through a fantastical account published by a Zeno ancestor in the mid-sixteenth century. The account was accompanied by a map of Frisland and adjacent fictitious islands, which enabled these fabled islands to make their way onto some of the most famous maps of the 16th and 17th centuries.
The Man Behind "The Last Great Cartographic Myth"
This August 2021 article is an interview with Don McGuirk, author of "The Last Great Cartographic Myth," an authoritative online resource dedicated to the mythical Sea of the West. Don explains how he became interested in maps and the Sea of the West, how the myth first began, and how it was depicted on maps over time.
Blame it on the Fog: Staten Island, Compagnies Land & Da Gama Land
This July 2021 article tells the story of the voyages of Maarten Gerritsz de Vries and João da Gama in the region of the Kuril Islands northeast of Japan, and how their sightings of land became confused and conflated on maps for over a century.
Mysterious Island of Korea
This article from January 2017 gives the history of the "Mysterious Island of Korea."
The Island of California
This article from July 2016 is all about the mythical "Island of California."
Sea of Verrazano & The History of Papermaking
Our March 2015 Newsletter features articles on the Sea of Verrazano and the History of Papermaking for Map Collectors.
Lake Parime and the Golden City & Symbolism and Allegory for Map Collectors
This newsletter from October 2014 includes two articles. The first describes the history of the mythical Lake Parime and Manoa, city of gold in South America. The second article explains some of the symbolism and allegory used on antique maps.
The Mountains of the Moon & Sanson and Mariette
This newsletter from August 2014 features two articles. The first explains the cartographic myth of the Mountains of the Moon in Africa. The second article outlines the map business of Nicolas Sanson and explains his complicated business partnership with map publisher Pierre Mariette.
9 articles