Erikson, Eskimos, and Columbus: Medieval European Knowledge of America
How did medieval Europeans have such specific geographic knowledge of North America, a land even their most daring adventurers had not yet discovered? In Erikson, Eskimos, and Columbus, James Robert Enterline presents new evidence that traces this knowledge to the cartographic skills of indigenous people of the high Arctic, who, he contends, provided the basis for medieval maps of large parts of North America. Drawing on an exhaustive chronological survey of pre-Columbian maps, including the controversial Yale Vinland Map, this book boldly challenges conventional accounts of Europe's discovery of the New World.
1101796319
Erikson, Eskimos, and Columbus: Medieval European Knowledge of America
How did medieval Europeans have such specific geographic knowledge of North America, a land even their most daring adventurers had not yet discovered? In Erikson, Eskimos, and Columbus, James Robert Enterline presents new evidence that traces this knowledge to the cartographic skills of indigenous people of the high Arctic, who, he contends, provided the basis for medieval maps of large parts of North America. Drawing on an exhaustive chronological survey of pre-Columbian maps, including the controversial Yale Vinland Map, this book boldly challenges conventional accounts of Europe's discovery of the New World.
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Erikson, Eskimos, and Columbus: Medieval European Knowledge of America
How did medieval Europeans have such specific geographic knowledge of North America, a land even their most daring adventurers had not yet discovered? In Erikson, Eskimos, and Columbus, James Robert Enterline presents new evidence that traces this knowledge to the cartographic skills of indigenous people of the high Arctic, who, he contends, provided the basis for medieval maps of large parts of North America. Drawing on an exhaustive chronological survey of pre-Columbian maps, including the controversial Yale Vinland Map, this book boldly challenges conventional accounts of Europe's discovery of the New World.
James Robert Enterline is a mathematician and computer consultant who is well known for his work in the history of cartography. He is the author of Viking America.
Table of Contents
List of Illustrations Directory to the Chronological Survey Preface and Acknowledgments Front Map Chapter 1. Introduction Part I: Outstanding MisunderstandingsChapter2. Claudius ClavusChapter 3. The Inventio Fortunatae and Martin Behaim Chapter 4. The Yale Vinland Map Part II: The Chronological SurveyChapter5. Introduction to the Chronological Survey A. Classical Norse GreenlandChapter 6. Early Scandinavian Geography Chapter 7. Communication Links with Greenland Chapter 8. The Unseen BridgeB. Uncovering an AmericaChapter 9. Late Greenland-Based Exploration Chapter 10. Foundations of European Misunderstandings Chapter 11. News Penetrates the EstablishmentChapter 12. Europe's Westward Awakening Chapter 13. Mastery of the Atlantic C. Old Images in New MapsChapter 14. A New Continent Emerges Chapter 15. An Old Continent Emerges Chapter 16. The Misunderstandings Are Resolved Chapter 17. Conclusion Appendix: The Vinland Map's Ink Notes Selected Bibliography Facsimile Atlases and Reproductions Index
James Enterline convinced me when he presented his interpretation of medieval maps of the Arctic region.
Alice C. Hudson
This book belongs in research map collections, particularly those focusing on northern regions or antiquarian maps.
Alice C. Hudson, Chief of the Map Division, New York Public Library
Norman J. W. Thrower
A thorough investigation of the evidence of Norse information about the New World and how this was transmitted to Europe. Perhaps the most novel idea is that the Norse may have learned map making from the Inuit people; the most provocative is the author's discussion of the Vinland map, which in itself would make an important work. The book is logically and effectively organized, the scholarship is exemplary, and the writing style is readable and interesting.
Norman J. W. Thrower, UCLA
From the Publisher
James Enterline convinced me when he presented his interpretation of medieval maps of the Arctic region.—Thor Heyerdahl
A thorough investigation of the evidence of Norse information about the New World and how this was transmitted to Europe. Perhaps the most novel idea is that the Norse may have learned map making from the Inuit people; the most provocative is the author's discussion of the Vinland map, which in itself would make an important work. The book is logically and effectively organized, the scholarship is exemplary, and the writing style is readable and interesting.—Norman J. W. Thrower, UCLA
This book belongs in research map collections, particularly those focusing on northern regions or antiquarian maps.—Alice C. Hudson, Chief of the Map Division, New York Public Library