Terrae Incognitae and the Publications of the Society for the History of Discoveries
The Society for the History of Discoveries maintains a robust legacy of scholarly communication, dedicated to the rigorous study of exploration and discovery. Central to this mission is the production of high-quality academic literature that preserves historical records and fosters debate among historians and researchers worldwide.
Terrae Incognitae: The Flagship Journal
Established during the Society's 1966 annual meeting at West Point, New York, Terrae Incognitae serves as the organization's primary academic voice. The journal was first published in 1969 by Nico Israel in Amsterdam, with Bruce Solnick serving as the Executive Editor. As a peer-reviewed publication—meaning articles are evaluated by independent experts in the field before acceptance—it ensures a high standard of historical accuracy.
From its inception in 1969 through 2010, the journal was published annually. Starting in 2011, the frequency increased to a semiannual schedule. Beyond scholarly articles, the journal provides critical reviews of recent literature and, since 1979, has included an extensive bibliography of publications related to exploration. In 2008, the editorial board further expanded the volume of book reviews featured in each issue.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]The Columbus Landfall Special Issue
A significant moment in the journal's history occurred following a 1980 presentation by Commodore Pieter Verhoog, read by John Parker in Columbus, Ohio. The intense interest in the topic led to a special session on the 1492 landfall of Christopher Columbus at the subsequent annual meeting in Athens, Georgia.
Consequently, John Parker and Louis De Vorsey curated a special issue dedicated to the first landfall, published as Volume 15 in 1983. This work was later expanded into a book titled In the Wake of Columbus: Islands and Controversy, published by Wayne State University Press in 1985. A lasting contribution of this scholarship was the 1991 publication of a highly acclaimed new translation of Columbus’ Diario by Society members Oliver Dunn and James Kelley, released by the University of Oklahoma Press.
Modern Publishing and Digital Transition
In 2010, the Society partnered with Maney Publishing, an international independent publisher. Maney manages the production of hard copies and is developing an online version of the journal. This partnership includes the creation of a full back-issue archive for institutional subscribers and freely searchable electronic abstracts. Additionally, Maney committed to scanning and providing electronic versions of back issues for the Society's membership.
Other Society Publications
Beyond its flagship journal, the Society produces several other essential documents to keep its community informed and connected.
Terra Cognita and Annual Reports
The Society publishes an annual report every autumn and a spring newsletter titled Terra Cognita. Prepared by the Executive Secretary, these publications serve as the administrative heart of the Society, containing:
- Council and business meeting minutes and election results.
- Membership directories and committee reports.
- Abstracts of papers presented at annual meetings.
- Financial reports and obituaries.
- News regarding members and upcoming meeting locations.
- Periodic reprints of the Society's Articles of Association.
Studies in the History of Discoveries
The Society has also seen the publication of specialized scholarly works through the University of Chicago Press. These include critical studies on the Vinland Map, 16th-century cosmography, and the navigation of Atlantic islands.
| Author | Title | Year | ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wilcomb Washburn | Proceedings of the Vinland Map Conference | 1971 | 0-226-87394-3 |
| Pedro Medina | A Navigator's Universe: The Libro de Cosmographia of 1538 | 1972 | 0-226-51715-2 |
| Thomas Duncan | Atlantic Islands: Madeira, the Azores, and the Cape Verdes | 1972 | 0-226-17001-2 |
| Thomas Cavendish | The Last Voyage of Thomas Cavendish, 1591-1592 | 1975 | 0-226-09819-2 |
| Louis-André Vigneras | The Discovery of South America and the Andalusian Voyages | 1976 | 0-226-85609-7 |
Key Facts
- Terrae Incognitae was first published in 1969 and transitioned from annual to semiannual publication in 2011.
- The journal is peer-reviewed and has been published by Maney Publishing since 2010.
- Volume 15 (1983) focused on the Columbus 1492 landfall and was later published as a book in 1985.
- Terra Cognita is the Society's spring newsletter, providing member news and administrative updates.
- The Society has collaborated with the University of Chicago Press for various specialized historical studies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Terrae Incognitae?
It is the peer-reviewed annual (now semiannual) journal of the Society for the History of Discoveries, focusing on scholarly articles, literature reviews, and bibliographies related to exploration.
How has the publication frequency of the journal changed?
The journal was published annually from 1969 until 2010; starting in 2011, it moved to a semiannual publication schedule.
What is the purpose of the Terra Cognita newsletter?
Terra Cognita is a spring newsletter that provides members with business meeting minutes, election results, membership directories, financial reports, and general society news.
Who currently publishes Terrae Incognitae?
Since 2010, the journal has been published by Maney Publishing, which provides both printed copies and digital archives for subscribers.
What was the significance of Volume 15 of the journal?
Volume 15 was a special issue dedicated to the first landfall of Columbus in 1492, which later led to the publication of a book in 1985 and a new translation of Columbus' Diario in 1991.