The transmission and bibliographic study of the pigafetta account: Synthesis and update

Abstract

For its value as a historical source and as a singular piece of writing, Antonio Pigafetta’s account of the Magellan-Elcano expedition has appeared in diverse places, and over the centuries. Numerous scholars have worked to establish the history and nature of those editions and translations. This study pursues three objectives related to Pigafetta’s account: to articulate a synthesis of the publication history; to summarize the development of research on that transmission; and to identify trends, controversies and possible gaps in that scholarship.