Mythical Geography in Antique Maps
July 30, 2004 8:40 AM   Subscribe

Illusions, Delusions, and Confusions: Mythical Geography in Antique Maps, courtesy the Philadelphia Print Shop. (via tui)
posted by Ufez Jones (7 comments total)
 
Great post.

I never heard about that whole prester john myth before, really interesting.
posted by malphigian at 9:27 AM on July 30, 2004


"California as an Island" is priceless. escpecially because, in some ways, it really is one.
thanks Ufez
posted by matteo at 1:28 PM on July 30, 2004


Geographers, in Afric maps,
With savage pictures fill the gaps
And o'er unhabitable downs
Place elephants for want of towns.
posted by jfuller at 1:51 PM on July 30, 2004


I've been to this map store, and think I'll go again, just to see these maps.
posted by iconomy at 2:41 PM on July 30, 2004


I just finished reading this book, and that map was mentioned in it. It's from a time when the Spanish where primarily located in Central and South America and the British were trying to find the Straight of Anian in order to discover the Northwest Passage.

Very interesting read.
posted by smcniven at 5:33 PM on July 30, 2004


Great reading.

>Despite finding more land as he went further north, Verazzano believed he had spotted the long hoped-for passage to China.

Everyone thought they found the path to China.
>Lachine, Qué... is located on the south bank of Île de Montréal and forms part of the Montréal urban community. In 1669 Cavelier de La Salle travelled inland in search of China, whence the derisive nickname Lachine applied to his land grant, which he had received 2 years earlier.
posted by philfromhavelock at 8:37 PM on July 30, 2004


cool! thanks Ufez!
posted by vacapinta at 10:34 PM on July 30, 2004


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