Emperor Norton, c.1878. Photograph by the Bradley & Rulofson studio. Collection of the California Historical Society.
This photograph of Emperor Norton, taken late in his life, is one of the most iconic and poignant images of the Emperor.
He looks a little annoyed and a little confused.
Is he annoyed and confused by us?
Shouldn't he be?
Whether you're new to the Emperor's story or an "inveterate Nortonian," you're sure to learn more about the Emperor — eccentric and fascinating; progressive and visionary; humane and heroic — in the pages linked below.
These pages — also linked in the "Emperor Norton" drop-down menu at left — include:
Our biographical essay on Emperor Norton
Our gallery of photographs of the Emperor — the most comprehensive collection anywhere online
Our original research — now more than 180 articles — and occasional commentary
Our Emperor Norton Map of the World — an historically informed and annotated interactive map of more than 105 sites where Emperor Norton is documented to have lived, worked, and visited
Our Emperor's Birth Date Research Project, where we make the case that — contrary to the conventional wisdom — Joshua Abraham Norton was born on 4 February 1818
Our research (and associated coverage) challenging the conventional wisdom that Emperor Norton issued any prohibition against use of the word “Frisco”
Resources for further learning, including our recommended reading and three short video documentaries
Click below for more: