Jacques Devaulx. Nautical Works

<p>Five hundred years after the historic French seaport of Le Havre was established, TASCHEN presents a facsimile reproduction of<strong> <em>Les premières œuvres de Jacques Devaulx, pilote en la marine</em></strong>, first published by Le Havre-born “Naval Pilot to the King” Jacques Devaulx in 1583. This <strong>extraordinary illuminated manuscript</strong>, dedicated to the Duke of Joyeuse, collates <strong>nautical, astronomical, and cartographic ideas</strong> as well as Devaulx’s own extensive notes, observations, and records as a seafarer, hydrographer, cosmographer, and cartographer.An <strong>encyclopedic reference for sailors</strong>, as well as a magnificent <strong>maritime showpiece</strong> for his royal employers, the elaborately annotated and decorated folios are a repertoire of naval and cosmographic tools and techniques, including<strong> astrolabes, nautical charts of the Atlantic Ocean, tabular statements of diurnal tides, astrological charts, and measurements for solar altitude. </strong>They also gather Devaulx’s volvelles, wheel charts made of rotating parts that are today considered an early example of the paper analog computer. Together, the folios encapsulate <strong>the state of knowledge at a time when sailors pushed the limits of sea exploration</strong> and offer <strong>a glimpse into the practical daily requirements of Renaissance seafaring</strong>.This edition of Devaulx’s stunning document, produced in collaboration with the Bibliothèque nationale de France, reproduces each of the<strong> 31 folios</strong> in all their brilliant art and science, including the original colorful illuminations, in particular the volvelles. The volume features essays by <strong>Jean-Yves Sarazin</strong> and <strong>Gerhard Holzer</strong>, as well as commentaries from a team of experts coordinated by <strong>Élisabeth Hébert</strong> and <strong>Véronique Hauguel-Thill</strong>, contextualizing Devaulx’s work with <strong>fascinating insights into 16th-century seafaring and exploration</strong>.</p>