Frank Lestringant is a leading authority of humanism and on the age of discovery. His previous books include André Thevet, Cosmographe des Derniers Valois (Droz, 1991) and Le Huguenot et le Sauvage (Klincksieck, 1990).

'Frank Lestringant's remarkable book, first published in French in 1991, is a hugely impressive accomplishment.' Progress in Human Geography 'Given Lestringant's previous work in this area, they can expect an important and informative book; they will not be disappointed.' Sixteenth Century Journal

• Translator's Preface. Introduction: Renaissance and Cosmography.1. The Cosmographical Model.2. Ancient Lessons: A Bookish Orient.3. Mythologics: The Invention of Brazil.4. Mythologics II: Amazons and Monarchs.5. Cartographics: An Experience of the World and an Experiment on the World.Epilogue: The End of Cosmography.Appendices.Notes.Index.