The Island of California: A History of the Myth (SPAIN IN THE WEST) - Hardcover
To early explorers and geographers California represented a terrestrial paradise. It was Atlantis, Arcadia, Avalon, El Dorado, the Garden of Eden, the Land of Milk and Honey, the Pleasure Dome of Kublai Khan. It was always a magnet for dreamers. In this fascinating book Dora Beale Polk examines the dreams and myths that influenced the discovery and exploration of California. Throughout, Polk treats the long-held concept of California as an island, going back to medieval lore that filled an unknown ocean with rich, mysterious ideal islands. Columbus carried the lore to the New World, expecting to find islands teeming with gold, pearls, fabulous creatures, and Amazon women. Cortés was led by the "romance of the islands." Balboa, Cabrillo, Drake, Ascensión, Kino, and many others entered into the making of the island myth. The discoveries and explorations of all the major figures are traced and their reports analyzed as they relate to California's geography and to the dreams overlaying it. Dora Beale Polk is a professor of English at California State University at Long Beach. She has published popular suspense novels and poetry as well as scholarly works.
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Polk weaves threads from history, literature, mythology, cartography, and geography into a tapestry attesting the durability of the myth. A. J. R./I>--A. J. R. Russell-Wood "Choice ""
"Polk weaves threads from history, literature, mythology, cartography, and geography into a tapestry attesting the durability of the myth."--A. J. R./I>--A. J. R. Russell-Wood "Choice "
About the Author:
"Polk weaves threads from history, literature, mythology, cartography, and geography into a tapestry attesting the durability of the myth."--A. J. R./I>--A. J. R. Russell-Wood "Choice "
Dora Beale Polk is a professor of English at California State University at Long Beach. She has published popular suspense novels and poetry as well as scholarly works.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
- PublisherArthur H Clark
- Publication date1991
- ISBN 10 087062198X
- ISBN 13 9780870621987
- BindingHardcover
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The Island of California, A History of the Myth
Published by
The Arthur H. Clark Company, Spokane, Washington
(1991)
ISBN 10: 087062198X
ISBN 13: 9780870621987
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Hardcover
First Edition
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Book Description Hardcover. Condition: New. Dust Jacket Condition: New. First Edition. Spokane, Washington: The Arthur H. Clark Company, 1991. Brand New HARDCOVER in a Brand New dust jacket. Perfect condition. NO chips. NO tears. NO creases. NO rubbing. NO fading. Bright, shiny, clean, square and tight. Sharp corners. NOT a library discard. NO owner's name or bookplate. NO remainder mark. Fresh and crisp - obviously never read. 1991. First Edition. A fascinating look at a geographic misconception that persisted for two centuries. Extensively illustrated with 57 historic maps. Has a 23 page bibliography of sources for additional reading. List of chapter notes. Index. Bound in the original gilt-stamped maroon cloth. From the dust jacket: "The Island of California -- this misconception flourished on and off for almost two centuries following the Spanish discovery early in the 16th century. This book traces the origin of this strange notion -- how it evolved, how it kept recurring, and how it was finally put to rest." Volume XIII in the Spain in the West series. First Edition. Hardcover. New/New. 8vo. 398pp. Great Packaging, Fast Shipping. Seller Inventory # 018856
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THE ISLAND OF CALIFORNIA: A HIST
Published by
Arthur H Clark
(1991)
ISBN 10: 087062198X
ISBN 13: 9780870621987
New
Hardcover
Quantity: 1
Seller:
Rating
Book Description Condition: New. New. In shrink wrap. Looks like an interesting title! 2.15. Seller Inventory # Q-087062198X
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