1982 Clark Society for Creative Anachronism Map of the 'Known World'

A remarkable c. 1982 Merald Clark map of the 'Known World' of the Society of Creative Anachronism (SCA). The map adopts a European medieval ethos but is analogous to North America, oriented to the west. The Known World here predates the founding of most international SCA chapters and is thus limited to North America. 'Kingdoms' represent regional Society chapters - for example, Anestorra encapsulates the Texas chapter - with individual cities representing more local groups - Austin is, for example, Bryn Gwlad.

Society for Creative Anachronism

The SCA is a living history organization focused on the European middle ages founded in Berkeley, California, in 1966. It embraces the idea of the 'middle ages as they ought to have been' where members 'selectively recreate … choosing elements of the culture that interest and attract' them. SCA activities include armored combat, fencing, archery, equestrian activities, feasting, medieval dance, medieval sciences, and a broad range of crafts, music, and theatre. The organization grew rapidly and today has more than 20,000 members worldwide. It boasts a rich internal culture, with its own lore, lingo, dating system, nobility, and more.

Publication History and Census

This map was drawn by Merald Clark. The map is dated using the SCA Anno Societatis system, which dates from its founding on May 1, 1966. Each SCA year runs from May 1 - April 30. So, in this case, Anno Societatis 16, translates to sometime between May 1, 1982 - April 30, 1983. According to Clark, with whom we've corresponded, this map was issued in 12 editions - revised as the SCA expanded to roughly 1986. All were drawn in pen and ink and printed, as here, in monocolor. Although Clark notes that they were popular and sold well, this is the only cataloged examle, with no records in institutional collections.