Of maps and monsters : meaning in cartographic ornamentation / by Veronica L. Garrett.
| Author/creator |
Garrett, Veronica L. author. |
| Other author/creator | Tise, Larry E. degree supervisor. |
| Other author/creator | East Carolina University. Department of History. |
| Format | Theses and dissertations and Archival & Manuscript Material |
| Production Info | 2008. |
| Description | 129 leaves : illustrations ; 29 cm |
| Supplemental Content | Access via ScholarShip |
| Subject(s) |
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| Summary | The sea monsters that ornament the oceans on early modem maps are usually dismissed as mere artistic camouflage for a lack of geographical information. Yet, those figures can also convey information about the world-views of those at the intellectual frontiers of exploration during a time of enormous change. The work of Abraham Ortelius, first published in 1570, is investigated as a typical example, and the meanings of his monsters are analyzed in terms of their meanings within literature, mythology, and natural histories current at the time. Placed within the context of history and the trajectory of cartography's gradual development, an understanding of these ornamental sea monsters begins to take shape. As cartographers struggled to make sense of the changing world during the Age of Discovery, their maps became a record of their interpretations. The sea monsters that emerged in the margins of their work appear to be expressions of their sense of shock at the catastrophic changes wrought on their worldview by exploration. |
| General note | Presented to the faculty of the Department of History. |
| General note | Advisor: Larry E. Tise |
| Dissertation note | M.A. East Carolina University 2008 |
| Bibliography note | Includes bibliographical references (leaves 107-117). |
| Genre/form | Academic theses. |
| Genre/form | History. |
| Genre/form | Illustrated works. |
| Genre/form | Academic theses. |
| Genre/form | Thèses et écrits académiques. |
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