About the event

Maps have played a central role in our understanding of what and where 'the north' is. At the same time, for much of history the northernmost reaches of our world have been difficult to navigate and verify – from mythical islands on medieval maps to the itineraries of Arctic explorers in the 19th century. This has inspired inventive mapping strategies, as well as ongoing struggles to define what constitutes believable cartographic information.

In conversation with Samuel Fanous, Charlotta Forss will share a cartographic journey across six centuries, exploring the rich and sometimes contentious history of how mapmakers have understood and processed knowledge about a region they described as ‘the north’. A sure delight for the map-curious.

Speaker

Charlotta Forss is an Associate Professor in History at Södertörn University, Stockholm. She is the author of Mapping the North: Myth, Exploration, Encounter, published by Bodleian Library Publishing (2025).

Samuel Fanous is Head of Publishing at the Bodleian Libraries.

Event information

This talk is hosted by the Friends of the Bodleian, but is open to all.

Attend in person

• You can attend this talk in person in the Sir Victor Blank Lecture Theatre at the Weston Library. Find out more about getting here.
• The Weston Library is wheelchair accessible. Find out more about accessibility at our site.
• Please note: bottled water is permitted in the lecture theatre, but No food or other drinks are allowed.

Attend online

• You can also register to attend this event online via Zoom.

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