The Golden Age of Maritime Maps: When Europe Discovered the World

by Catherine Hofmann (Editor), Helene Richard (Editor), Emmanuelle Vagnon (Editor)

"Portolan charts," so called from the Italian adjective portolano , meaning "related to ports or harbours," were born during the 12th century in the maritime community. These charts, drawn on parchment and crisscrossed with lines referring to the compass directions, indicated the succession of ports and anchorages along the shores, and were used by European sailors exploring the world up until the 18th century. Not only used as navigational instruments on boats, they were also produced for wealthy sponsors in the form of illuminated images of the world, to illustrate the economic and political interests of the major European sea powers. This book takes stock of the state of knowledge on these maps, bringing together contributions from a dozen European specialists, who trace the history and diversity of styles and places of production of these charts. This type of mapping is approached from three angles. The first part, "The Mediterranean," refers to the manufacture and use of the first charts, centered on the Mediterranean, and the persistence of this tradition in the Mediterranean basin until the 18th century. The second part, "The Open Sea," shows how these regional charts have evolved from a technical and iconographical point of view at the time of the great European voyages, in order to include the oceans and new worlds. The third part, "The Indian Ocean," shows how these charts, in a maritime area where ancient civilizations coexisted, were dependent on other cartographic traditions (ancient, Arab, Asian) before joining the information reported by Portuguese sailors and European trading companies in the modern era.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Travel

256 pages, Hardcover

First published September 17, 2013

Reviews

[Tim Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

This 2013 coffee table book of portolans -- maritime Maps from the age of discovery (13th - 18th century) -- reflects the very rich collection of ancient maps in the National Library of France (+500 items of parchment and paper). What is most intriguing about this collectors' book with a dozen experts' articles and analyses are those PORTOLAN maps that are neither signed nor dated and which remain shrouded in mystery (like one attributed to Christopher Columbus, dated 1492). Regardless of their being categorized and understood, such Maritime Maps are still considered as Navigation tools, carriers of advanced technologies and cultural objects laden with past dreams and imagination (C. Hoffman on page 24 text). I give it a clear 5* rating! So glad this book is part of a Michigan college: "College for Creative Studies Library, 201 E. Kirby, Detroit, Michigan" !

[Vic Allen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book for map nerds. And for anyone who loves beautiful books.
Covering mostly portolan maps which depict coastlines and are made to lay flat. These maps could be quite detailed as to shorelines but did not include information about inland areas. Many portolans are crisscrossed by rhumb and wind rose lines.
More expensive portolans produced for royalty or sold to the wealthy include beautifully illustrated local flora, fauna, and populations in everyday activities, depictions of royalty, illustrations of cities, ships at sea, sea animals, and more. These are often the portolans that survive as the ones used by sea captains and navigators are degraded by usage and moist, salty, air.

[Christine Helary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Remarquable ouvrage. Chacun des chapitres est écrit par un expert du sujet et la reproduction des cartes est magnifique, y compris certains détails (ce qui manque à certains livres sur la cartographie dans lesquels on ne peut apprécier l'iconographie ou les details). Le chapitre sur la VOC écrit par Hans Kok est particulièrement intéressant. En ce qui me concerne, ce livre est un incontournable sur le sujet de la cartographie et des grandes découvertes du XVe au XVIIIe.

[Robert · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sumptuously gorgeous book (though sometimes for an artful layout, images lie needlessly across pages, losing a little in the crease). Unfortunately it reads like a textbook: full of information, but the writing is dry and academic. Perhaps best suited for those who are well-versed in the subject, or who are looking for the really very beautiful map art more than engaging writing.

[Melanie]

Read for research

[Kim Heimbuch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review has been written and will post here after it posts to its original Review destination.

[Chad Tronetti · Rating 4 out of 5]

a lovely collection. beautifully rendered/edited.

[Mumbler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really beautiful.