Dithmar Blefken

Who is Dithmar Blefken?

Dithmar Blefken was a German preacher and minor 17th century geographer. Very little is known about his life.

Blefken is known for Islandia, a description of Iceland published first in 1607 in Leiden. He claimed it to be based on his journey to the island while accompanying merchants from Hamburg; this is, however, not certain. Arngrímur Jónsson, a contemporary Icelandic scholar, was a fierce critic of Blefken's work. Although the book contained many inaccuracies it was quite influential at the time, especially in northern parts of Europe.