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Vinland map

Title
Vinland map.
Created
Germany (Basel?), approximately 1900 - approximately 1940
Physical Description
ff. 2 : parchment ; 285 x 212 (206 x 150) mm.
Language
Latin
Notes
In Latin.
Record created by Beinecke staff from catalog description by Barbara Shailor.
Provenance
MS 350A was acquired from a private collection in Europe by L. C. Witten, who subsequently determined that the Vinland Map and Hystoria Tartarorum (now Beinecke MS 350A.1) were once bound together with another manuscript then in the possession of Thomas E. Marston (now Beinecke MS 350). Presented to the Beinecke Library by an anonymous donor in 1965.
Access and use
Restricted material. May not be seen without the permission of the curator.
Summary
Manuscript on parchment of an outline map of Europe, Africa, Asia, the surrounding seas and the islands including Iceland, Greenland, and "Vinland," which resembles the coastline of northern North America, with identifying legends. Known as the "Vinland Map," at the time it was acquired by Yale it was considered to be the earliest European map of any portion of the Western Hemisphere. The authenticity of the map was the subject of considerable debate for decades. Extensive scientific testing sponsored by Yale University in 2021, conclusively demonstrated that the map is a modern forgery.
Originally the Vinland Map, Speculum historiale (Beinecke MS 350), and Hystoria Tartarorum (Beinecke MS 350A.1) were bound together in that order in a single volume, as is indicated by the patterns of the wormholes.
Format
Archives or Manuscripts
Added to Catalog
June 02, 2011
References
Shailor, B. Catalogue of Medieval and Renaissance Manuscripts in the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, MS 350A
Vinland Map. General Collection, Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Yale University.
Cite as
Vinland Map. General Collection, Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Yale University.
Genre/Form
Manuscripts, Medieval - Germany - 15th century.
Citation

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