Purported Pre-Columbian Voyage to America

Zeno /Ruscelli, 1561:
Septentrionalvm Partivm Nova Tabvla. Excellent condition. 18 x 24 cm. $1500.

First Issue of the Ruscelli, and the earliest obtainable issue. Originally published in woodcut form three years earlier (1558), this map is "one of the most interesting and controversial documents in the history of maritime exploration" (-Brown). It purports to show the discoveries made in Greenland and the north Atlantic in 1380 by the Venetians Nicolo and Antonio Zeno, as per a MS in the possession of the explorer's heirs.

The Zeno map, Septentrionalium Pertium Nova Tabula, depicts Iceland, Greenland, and other Atlantic lands according to a medieval manuscript. the purported adventures of the Italians Nicolo and Antonio Zeno in 1380. The story and map of their doubtful fourteenth century voyage was published in Venice by a descendant in 1558. As Samuel Purchas relates it, the brother Nicolo, being wealthy, and of a haughtie spirit, desiring to see the fashions of the world, built and furnished a Ship at his owne charges, passed through the Strait of Gibraltar and was promptly carried astray by a tempest. They were adrift until reaching Frislant, where they were saved from barbarians by a Prince Zichmui who spake to them in Latine, and placed them in his Navie, wherewith hee wonne divers Ilands.

Following divers notable exploits they reached Engronelant, where hee found a Monasterie of Friers of the Preachers Order, and a Church dedicated to Saint Thomas. This monastery was situated by an active volcano, which afforded a hot spring whose water was used for heating and cooking. The brother Antonio then reached Estotilant, assimilated as part of easternmost Canada. Next he sailed south to Deogeo during which voyage cannibals were encountered. Among the other islands they reached was Icaria where there were Knights thereof called Icari, descended of the ancient pedigree of Dedalus, King of Scots.