The ship loomed large in the medieval world and mind.
Whether cruising upriver laden with grain, or cresting
the high seas bristling with guns, ships symbolized
power and promise, strength and safety, crusade and
conquest. Both upstream and downstream, inland and
offshore, ships of every size and shape provided a vital
means of travel, transport and trade, linking villages
and cities, land and sea, countries and continents.
Focusing on manuscript illuminations - drawn mainly from
the British Library's unparalled collection - marine
archaeologist Joe Flatman traces the changing shape of
ships in European life and culture from the 11th to 16th
centuries. It was a period of unprecedented
technological progress: within just a few centuries, the
Viking rowboat evolved into the multi-decked,
full-rigged carrack.Despite such rapid advance, many
marine miniatures reflect the technological realities
with surprising accuracy. To unravel the realities - and
equally illuminating myths - of the maritime world,
Flatman first explores its multi-layered symbolism,
essentially Christian, but rooted in pagan
culture.Analysing positive and negative symbols, he
highlights a recurrent dichotomy between life-giving
freshwater and death-dealing saltwater, reflected in
sharply contrasting scenes. Turning to the realities,
Flatman examines the extraordinary advances in shipping
and naval warfare, alongside an expanding maritime
culture with distinct 'marine zones', graphically
illustrated by many fascinating glimpses of seafaring
society at work and play. Vividly brought to life with
150 diverse images, ''Ships and Shipping in Medieval
Manuscripts'' paints a vibrant picture of maritime life
during an era of unprecedented expansion. |
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