The book chronicles the early European explorations and perceived discoveries of the Antarctic region. Thevet, a French cosmographer and explorer, details voyages and observations, presenting a narrative of geographical discovery and the challenges faced by early navigators. The work aims to document the southern continent, its potential inhabitants, and its place in the known world, drawing on both firsthand accounts and existing geographical knowledge of the era.

Thevet's "The New Found Worlde or Antarctike" is recognized as an important, albeit sometimes speculative, historical document from the Age of Discovery. It offers a unique perspective on early European conceptions of the Antarctic, blending factual reporting with the prevailing geographical theories and imaginative elements of the time. Scholars often cite it for its contribution to the history of cartography and exploration, while acknowledging its limitations as a purely scientific or accurate geographical survey. The work provides valuable insight into the mindset and knowledge base of 16th-century explorers.