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The Land of the Queen, Roswell, and the Jackalope: A European's Journey into American Mythology, U.S. Place Names, and the Hidden History of All 50 St
Paperback
Mythology & FolkloreGeneral United States
Publisher: Independently Published
Published: Dec 2 2025
Pages: 152
Weight: 0.47
Height: 0.33 Width: 6.00 Depth: 9.00
Language: English
What is the story behind the name of your state? What names and creature lurks in its shadows?
Authored by Portuguese Mythology Expert Miguel Carvalho Abrantes, this book is a comprehensive, state-by-state examination of the origins of US place names and the local legends that define the American narrative. It is written from the perspective of an outsider, providing a comparative look at how the United States, a land often seen as culturally young, shares and develops mythological themes that parallel those of the Old World.
This is not a traditional history book, but a focused exploration of cultural etymology and American folklore. Inside, you will find:
- 250+ Places Explained: Information on the naming of specific towns, cities, and landmarks across all 50 states - from the famous to the obscure, and from Anchorage to the Zzyzx.
- State-Specific Legends: A spotlight on a unique American mythology or cryptid associated with each state, including the Jackalope (Wyoming), the Roswell incident (New Mexico), the Fouke Monster (Arkansas), the Kushtaka (Alaska), and the Bell Witch (Tennessee), among many others.
- An Outsider's Lens: An analytical and engaging perspective that highlights the blend of indigenous, European, and fictional influences that shaped the American map.
If you are curious about the layers of meaning embedded in the American landscape - the history that became legend, and the literature that became reality - then this volume offers an insightful, organized, and complete guide to the hidden history found in almost every corner of the United States.
Discover why, in America, every name tells a story.
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