Book Description
At first, progress in shipbuilding gave sailors more freedom. Mathematics and compasses encouraged them to set out on longer trips for destinations farther and farther away. Yet, ocean travel remained mysterious and terribly dangerous. Sailors had to rely on their knowledge and on the lore and wisdom of their forefathers. They also relied on handmade maps, crudely, but beautifully drawn. The selection of maps in this handsome book date from the 12th to 18th century, including the largest Vatican collection, compiled in one book. These maps are fascinating historical documents and a testimony to the bravery of all those who set out, not really know where on this earth that they were going.
About the author
Donald Wigal teaches history, art, theology and music at the University of Dayton, Ohio, and at Mary Rogers College, New York. Fascinated by the documentation of former centuries, he was one of the notable contributors on the history of art to the Academic American Encyclopedia, and has also written a number of biographies about historical personalities.
