‘At its best, ‘America Magica’ exhibits one of the most impressive aspects of early 1990s work on Europe’s early modern encounter with the wider world: integrated consideration of ancient and medieval intellectual legacies, early modern cultural constructions, and the practical realities of fifteenth- and sixteenth-century life. […] A handy reference for those perusing European explorers’ journals or geographic treatises and wondering where these odd ideas about griffins, lost cities, and dog-headed men came from.’ —Paul Mapp, College of William & Mary, ‘Journal of World History’

 'This succinct book offers a useful synthesis of information concerning the ways Europeans imagined the new lands and peoples they encountered…the way the material is assembled, and the lucidity with which the authors summarise their sources makes this an engaging and perceptive study. A particular feature pf the book is the inclusion of striking black and white illustrations which pepper its pages, providing a helpful counterpart to the narrative… A well-structured and enjoyable read.' —Claire Jowitt, Nottingham-Trent University

 'This book is a wondrous map of the early modern worldview, tracing the contours of imagination and reality in the minds of European explorers, missionaries, and conquerors. What is truly delightful in reading (this) fine work is the scope of the collection of their materials. The international quality of the history is a mirror of the international quality of the book itself.' —Laura Ammon, Whittier College

'Offers fascinating insights into the ways in which a rich and complex variety of mythical narratives and images - of earthly paradises, golden cities, women warriors, and strange and wonderful creatures - structured the perceptions of European explorers and settlers of the indigenous peoples and landscapes of the New World.' —Susan Castillo, Professor of American Studies, Kings College London