Legendary Islands of the Atlantic: A Study of Medieval Geography

"Legendary Islands of the Atlantic: A Study of Medieval Geography" by William H. Babcock is a scholarly work that investigates the captivating stories of mythical islands that filled the minds of sailors and mapmakers from ancient times through the medieval period, studying their legends and stories while exploring the historical background of their exploration. It emphasizes the geography and importance of these phantom islands, like the famous Atlantis and St. Brendan's journeys. The book begins by presenting the historical environment that created the legendary islands' myths in the Atlantic. It looks at how ancient Mediterranean societies, especially the Phoenicians and Greeks, explored strange waterways and likely let myths affect their mapmaking attempts. The opening section also talks about key figures and texts (like Plato's Atlantis story), while discussing the blending of reality and fiction that influenced medieval geography, connecting these myths to actual historical journeys. The narrative prepares the reader for a close look at certain islands, such as Brazil, the Seven Cities, and the strange discoveries of explorers such as St. Brendan.