**Jerry Brotton: An Esteemed Scholar of the Renaissance and Cartography Aficionado**
Jerry Brotton, a prominent Professor of Renaissance Studies at Queen Mary University of London, is celebrated as an intellectual sensation in the UK, holding a variety of radio and television appearances. He is particularly known for authoring “The Renaissance: A Very Short Introduction,” which emphasizes the worldwide cultural impacts of the Renaissance, extending beyond its North Italian and European boundaries.
Brotton is an active author, engaging with literature, history, material culture, trade, and East-West dynamics from the 16th and 17th centuries. Utilizing interdisciplinary approaches, his research delves into art, politics, history, travel narratives, and literature. His interest in cartography gained recognition through the bestseller “History of the World in Twelve Maps,” translated into twelve languages and leading to a BBC Radio 4 series.
A significant aspect of his map-focused scholarship is the examination of the contemporary notion that north is always positioned at the top of maps. Historical cartography often depicted various orientations, such as medieval European maps placing east at the summit or Islamic maps showing south at the peak. This idea is further developed in his book, “Four Points of the Compass: The Unexpected History of Direction,” which stems from another BBC series.
The book commences with NASA’s Blue Marble, initially oriented with the south pole at the top before being adjusted for release to cater to northern hemisphere preferences. Brotton explores the arbitrary essence of cardinal points (north, south, east, west), naturally defined by the sun’s position. These concepts are investigated within the framework of Wittgensteinian language games, revealing diverse interpretations across different cultures and epochs, supported by ancient instances such as wind directions seen on Mesopotamian maps.
The order of cardinal directions is a topic of contention, with Brotton choosing to align his chapters with the sun’s trajectory. Each chapter delves into cultural interpretations of its respective direction, showcasing various meanings. For example, “East” reflects on the European perception of the Orient, whereas “South” juxtaposes the global south’s poverty with picturesque vacation imagery. The chapter on “West” contemplates its historical links to death, altered by the advent of the Americas.
The book wraps up with thoughts on how digital cartography influences our understanding of place, triggered by Apple’s blue dot in mapping applications. Despite containing high-quality illustrations, the glossy format on black pages may evoke mixed reactions.
Brotton’s comprehensive research is backed by meticulous endnotes, though it lacks a bibliography. His captivating storytelling may resonate with aficionados of historical cartography and cultural studies. Nevertheless, the intended readership remains undefined, leaving its specific attraction open to personal interpretation.