Sea Monsters on Medieval and Renaissance Maps

By Chet van Duzer,

Book cover of Sea Monsters on Medieval and Renaissance Maps

Book description

The sea monsters on medieval and Renaissance maps, whether swimming vigorously, gambolling amid the waves, attacking ships, or simply displaying themselves for our appreciation, are one of the most visually engaging elements on these maps, and yet they have never been carefully studied. The subject is important not only in…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked Sea Monsters on Medieval and Renaissance Maps as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Finally, you can’t talk about maps and not talk about sea monsters.

Want to buy a sea monster? Van Duzer tells you how! Given my professional (and personal) interest in cartography, water, sailing, and animals, this book absolutely had to appear on my “Best Books” list. It is very richly illustrated (115 color images), but is not simply a picture book.

Van Duzer’s narrative is engaging and informative. He explores terrifying and whimsical marine creatures that peopled Medieval and Renaissance waters (many are imaginary; some are more or less based on actual sea animals). And he situates them within the…

From Georgia's list on how to read maps.

Want books like Sea Monsters on Medieval and Renaissance Maps?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like Sea Monsters on Medieval and Renaissance Maps.

Browse books like Sea Monsters on Medieval and Renaissance Maps

Book cover of The Eternal City: A History of Rome in Maps
Book cover of How to Lie with Maps
Book cover of The Illustrated Longitude: The True Story of a Lone Genius Who Solved the Greatest Scientific Problem of His Time

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,210

readers submitted
so far, will you?

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in cartography, Europe, and 16th century?

Cartography 37 books
Europe 956 books
16th Century 89 books