How did 'forged' travel accounts, like those potentially written by Gómez de Santisteban, gain credibility and acceptance during the 15th century?

In the 15th century, travel narratives, including those 'forged,' gained acceptance through several techniques. Authors like Gómez de Santisteban enhanced credibility by compiling existing travel writings, presenting narratives as firsthand accounts, focusing on marvelous elements, and aligning with contemporary beliefs. The printing press played a key role by broadly sharing these accounts.

What role did the inclusion of 'marvelous and strange' elements play in the success of 'forged' travel narratives like those from Gómez de Santisteban?

Authors of 'forged' travel narratives, such as Gómez de Santisteban, often included exotic customs, strange creatures, and wondrous landscapes to captivate audiences. These fantastical elements added appeal and memorability, contributing to the narrative's success even if not entirely factual. Jean de Mandeville also added a sense of the 'marvelous and strange'.

What does the widespread acceptance of 'forged' travel narratives, such as those potentially crafted by authors like Gómez de Santisteban, reveal about the cultural values and desires of 15th-century Europeans?

The popularity of narratives by authors like Gómez de Santisteban and Jean de Mandeville, even when 'forged,' reveals a strong cultural desire for knowledge and wonder during the 15th century. These narratives shaped European perceptions of distant lands and reflected prevailing religious, political, and social values. Their wide acceptance indicates the power of storytelling in influencing beliefs.

How did scholars, such as George F. Warner's assessment of Jean de Mandeville, address the issue of factual accuracy in popular 15th-century travel narratives?

George F. Warner criticized Jean de Mandeville for being a 'fraudulent' author, highlighting the tension between factual accuracy and narrative appeal. Despite criticisms, the popularity of these narratives underscores their cultural significance in shaping European understanding, irrespective of their truthfulness. This shows that narratives held value regardless of their veracity.

A surreal depiction of a 15th-century traveler meeting a mythical beast.

Tall Tales or True Travels? Unpacking Credibility in 15th Century Travel Narratives

Q: What is the enduring legacy of 'forged' travel narratives, and how do accounts (such as those attributed to Gómez de Santisteban) contribute to our understanding of the 15th century?

Authors like Gómez de Santisteban tapped into a European desire for knowledge and wonder, which shaped the perceptions of the world. These narratives, regardless of their factual basis, remain valuable sources for understanding the beliefs and aspirations during a pivotal period in history. The printing press also created a surge in travel logs, fictional and non-fictional.

Beau Callahan in Culture & Society August 2025 • 4 min read.

"Explore how 'forged' travel accounts gained acceptance alongside authentic voyages in the 15th century, shaping perceptions of the world."

The 15th and early 16th centuries marked a period of intense global exploration, but also a flourishing of travel narratives, some more grounded in reality than others. The printing press allowed for widespread dissemination of accounts like those of Marco Polo and Jean de Mandeville, shaping European perceptions of distant lands.

However, not all travel writings were based on actual journeys. Some authors compiled existing passages and narratives, creating compelling stories that resonated with contemporary audiences. These 'forged' accounts often blended fact and fiction, reflecting the aspirations and beliefs of the time.

One such author, Gómez de Santisteban, wrote an account presented as a companion to Prince Pedro of Portugal on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Despite the dubious nature of this trip, Santisteban's narrative gained a level of credibility. This article explores how Santisteban, and others like him, managed to convince readers of the authenticity of their travels, even when those travels were largely imaginary.

How Did Imaginary Journeys Achieve Authenticity?

A surreal depiction of a 15th-century traveler meeting a mythical beast.

To understand how fabricated travel narratives gained traction, it's essential to consider the context of the 15th century. Travel to the East was becoming less extraordinary, yet interest in the unknown remained high. This created an environment where both genuine and embellished accounts were consumed eagerly.

Authors of imaginary travels often employed several techniques to enhance their credibility:

Drawing from existing sources: Compiling passages from other travel writings and historical accounts provided a foundation of 'truth.'
Emphasizing personal experience: Even if fabricated, narratives were often presented as firsthand accounts, using the first person to create a sense of immediacy and authenticity.
Focusing on the marvelous and strange: Audiences were captivated by tales of exotic customs, strange creatures, and wondrous landscapes. These elements, even if fantastical, added to the appeal and memorability of the stories.
Aligning with contemporary beliefs: Narratives that reflected the religious, political, and social values of the time were more likely to be accepted.

Scholars like George F. Warner, who labeled Jean de Mandeville a 'fraudulent' author, highlight the tension between factual accuracy and narrative appeal. While some critics condemned these works as fabrications, their popularity demonstrates their cultural significance. These narratives shaped European understanding of the world, regardless of their veracity.

The Enduring Legacy of Imagined Worlds

The phenomenon of 'forged' travel narratives in the 15th century reveals the complex interplay between reality, imagination, and cultural expectation. Authors like Gómez de Santisteban, while not genuine travelers, tapped into a desire for knowledge and wonder that shaped European perceptions of the world. These narratives, regardless of their factual basis, remain valuable sources for understanding the beliefs and aspirations of a pivotal period in history.