The Island of Lost Maps - A True Story of Cartographic Crime by Miles Harvey
Finished reading January 1, 2009
Notes:
It often takes me a while to get back on track with my reading list. The temptation to pick up books not on the list is a temptation I find hard to resist. As of 2009 the need to reach some of my reading goals has been renewed. So, that led me to picking up a book that had been placed on the list in 2000. Overall, I enjoyed the book. The subject is fascinating, especially if you are interested in books, history and maps. The author Miles Harvey stumbled upon a seemingly obscure crime committed by a seemingly obscure, or bland perpetrator (Gilbert Bland). Having spent so much time in Special Collections at various University and public libraries I quickly became engaged with the topic. The mere thought of a razor blade and the destruction of priceless books horrified me. It was not because of any monetary value placed on the items but instead on the thought of the destruction of knowledge. This knowledge was being held by these institutions as a service to everyone.
-The book draws parallels between the author life and that of the perpetrator.
-Sometimes veers a bit too far from the mapping of the crime to the mapping of the soul/brain
-Might find it interesting to read Frances Wood's, Did Marco Polo Go to China?
-Is it a coincidence that I had just read quick interview of Paul Theroux (mystery writer) in I believe it was a cooking magazine, and then to have him quoted in this book. (pg33)
-interesting quote (p73) from an inscription at the library of the San Pedro monastery in Barcelona:
"For him that steals, or borrows and returns not, a book from its owner, let it change into a serpent in his hand and rend him. Let him be struck with palsy, and all his members blasted. Let him languish in pain crying aloud for mercy, and let there be no surcease to his agony till he sing in dissolution. Let bookworms gnaw at his entrails in token of the Worm that dieth (sp) not. And when at last he goes to his final punishment, let the flames of Hell consume him forever."
-Other names for librarians: Learned Men of the Magic Library, Scribes of the Double House of Life, Mistresses of the House of Books, Ordainers of the Universe, Keeper of the Books
-at the end of the book he suggests that perhaps the role or responsibilities of libraries will change, they will once again revert to sacred temples with only limited access to the public. Why? Security, Preservation ; suppose other methods of access exist now?where is the loss in being able to view or handle the actual or incredible copies of the real thing.
-who will have access
-author mentions that many librarians are horrified by the idea of dog-earring a book; Dad always stressed the importance of not doing that; why when I have such a great love of books do I dog-ear mine?
-Along the idea of paths is it coincidence that after having read this book that one of the next ones I just picked up from the library book sale, which was also on my reading list, is also about maps? It has been on there a long time and it showed up now?on the heels of this book.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Pondering the Past
Commentaries and reflections on Christopher Woodward's "In Ruins", read June 6, 2004.
Christopher Woodward's book is not intended as a handbook for archaeologists or museums on how to handle or approach ruins but instead as just a book showing how they have been viewed in the past. It is clear through Woodward's writing that he has done extensive literary and historical research for this book. As a supplement to his knowledge he has visited many of the sites discussed. I suppose the thing I like most about this book is that although it is not intended for archaeologists it is not bad pondering over the dilemna of presenting that past. How do you present ruins to the public? At what point in the history of a ruin do you attempt to capture its essence and present this to the public? Is it important to include artists input which may distort or disagree with the physical remains? Aren't all interpretations valid?
As always I have some points or passages which interest me. On page 17, I like Edgar Allen Poe's quote, "Man is now only more active, not wiser, nor more happy than he was 6,000 years ago." the quote is actually from a disagreement Poe was having with a friend over "man's advance toward perfection." If we measure it by what we know about our world then I might disagree, but if "wiser" is taken to mean how we use what we know then I would agree with Poe's declaration.
On page 69, Woodward writes that "Archaeologists will argue that flowers and ivy on a ruin are just Picturesque fluff, curlicues to amuse an artist's pencil. What Shelley's experience shows is that the vegetation which grows on ruins appeals to the depth of our consciousness, for it represents the hand of time, and the contest between the individual and the universe." I like this description. I realize that underbrush can help in the decay of a ruin or monument, and that this may be considered bad dependant on the views of the culture at the time. This may just be part of the natural process. How do we know what the natural process is when we exist as part of it?
The author, talking of cemeteries, states that "The promise of continuance is not in the angels and cherubs or the stiff crosses but in this fecundity of Nature, in the ivy which effaces the chiseled letters of a name. Indeed do we ever linger in cemeteries which are bare of vegetation?" True. The sterile new cemeteries removed of trees and plants speaks of stagnancy. For those who have visited an older cemetery, such as Townsend House Cemetery in Pasco County, the natural environment does speak of a continuance of the natural processes of living and dying.
Woodward effortlessly ties in quotes from other sources. These always excite me as to new possibilities to add to my reading list.
This has always been one of my favorite poems and is great for reflecting on the permanence of things, not just man-made but also ourselves.
Ozymandias
For those who have not read this before I hope you enjoyed it. Some of you may have recognized as having made an appearance in the movie "Watchmen." Reflecting on the poem may help tie in some loose ends for the movie buffs out there.
Well, that is all for today.
Christopher Woodward's book is not intended as a handbook for archaeologists or museums on how to handle or approach ruins but instead as just a book showing how they have been viewed in the past. It is clear through Woodward's writing that he has done extensive literary and historical research for this book. As a supplement to his knowledge he has visited many of the sites discussed. I suppose the thing I like most about this book is that although it is not intended for archaeologists it is not bad pondering over the dilemna of presenting that past. How do you present ruins to the public? At what point in the history of a ruin do you attempt to capture its essence and present this to the public? Is it important to include artists input which may distort or disagree with the physical remains? Aren't all interpretations valid?
As always I have some points or passages which interest me. On page 17, I like Edgar Allen Poe's quote, "Man is now only more active, not wiser, nor more happy than he was 6,000 years ago." the quote is actually from a disagreement Poe was having with a friend over "man's advance toward perfection." If we measure it by what we know about our world then I might disagree, but if "wiser" is taken to mean how we use what we know then I would agree with Poe's declaration.
On page 69, Woodward writes that "Archaeologists will argue that flowers and ivy on a ruin are just Picturesque fluff, curlicues to amuse an artist's pencil. What Shelley's experience shows is that the vegetation which grows on ruins appeals to the depth of our consciousness, for it represents the hand of time, and the contest between the individual and the universe." I like this description. I realize that underbrush can help in the decay of a ruin or monument, and that this may be considered bad dependant on the views of the culture at the time. This may just be part of the natural process. How do we know what the natural process is when we exist as part of it?
The author, talking of cemeteries, states that "The promise of continuance is not in the angels and cherubs or the stiff crosses but in this fecundity of Nature, in the ivy which effaces the chiseled letters of a name. Indeed do we ever linger in cemeteries which are bare of vegetation?" True. The sterile new cemeteries removed of trees and plants speaks of stagnancy. For those who have visited an older cemetery, such as Townsend House Cemetery in Pasco County, the natural environment does speak of a continuance of the natural processes of living and dying.
Woodward effortlessly ties in quotes from other sources. These always excite me as to new possibilities to add to my reading list.
This has always been one of my favorite poems and is great for reflecting on the permanence of things, not just man-made but also ourselves.
Ozymandias
I met a traveler from an antique land,
Who said: Two vast and trunkless legs of stone
Stand in the desert. Near them, on the sand
Half sunk, a shattered visage lies, whose frown
And wrinkled lip, and sneer of cold command,
Tell that its sculptor well those passions read,
Which yet survive, stamped on these lifeless things,
The hand that mocked them, and the heart that fed.
And on the pedestal these words appear
"My name is Ozymandias, King of Kings:
Look on my works, ye mighty, and despair!"
Nothing beside remains. Round the decay
Of that colossal wreck, boundless and bare
The lone and level sands stretch far away.
- Percy Bysshe Shelly (1792-1822)
For those who have not read this before I hope you enjoyed it. Some of you may have recognized as having made an appearance in the movie "Watchmen." Reflecting on the poem may help tie in some loose ends for the movie buffs out there.
Well, that is all for today.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
"Sign, sign, everywhere a sign"
I would just like to acquaint potential readers with what they can expect from my blogs. I have a background in history and anthropology with a focus on archaeology. Some of my blogs will be postings on my travels and about the project I am currently working on. Sadly, often some of the details will have to remain cloudy depending on who the project is being done for.
A large part of my blog will be discussing some of the books that I have recently read. I am almost obsessed with reading and tend to keep notes on what I read. A common theme that will become evident in my blogs is the idea of "connections." I see connections or "signs" everywhere. Connections between what I read, where I travel, and what direction my life seems to take. I am not a firm believer in "signs" and am unsure about the difference between connections and coincidences. Maybe I will figure it out as I post.
A large part of my blog will be discussing some of the books that I have recently read. I am almost obsessed with reading and tend to keep notes on what I read. A common theme that will become evident in my blogs is the idea of "connections." I see connections or "signs" everywhere. Connections between what I read, where I travel, and what direction my life seems to take. I am not a firm believer in "signs" and am unsure about the difference between connections and coincidences. Maybe I will figure it out as I post.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
To expose or not to expose...that is the question.
"Hook, line, and sinker."
Dictionary.com defines the verb "expose" as:
-to lay open to danger, attack, harm, etc.
-to lay open to something specified
-to uncover or bare to the air, cold, etc.
-to make known, disclose, or reveal (intentions, secrets, etc.)
-to reveal or unmask (a crime, fraud, impostor, etc.)
-to hold up to public reprehension or ridicule
The origins lie in the Latin word "expōnere" meaning "to put out, expose, set forth in words." Most of the definitions appear to come with some sort of risk. If this is correct, then why "expose" yourself to these potential outcomes in a public writing environment? The decision to start a blog is an odd one.
Students of history and the theory of history know that basically any form of writing is done for posterity. Many would not agree to this idea but think about it. Even for those who keep a diary there is a certain rush in the thought that someone might get their hands on the private writings. This may include fear or excitement. One thing is for sure, most people do not write down information and then destroy it so that others may not read.
Writing is also a form of art. I believe that most artists have some form of confidence in what they create whether it be music, visual art, or writing.
So, in creating this blog I risk "exposure" not of a dirty nature but of my personal thoughts on many different subjects. There must also be some part of me that feels that I have something to share that others may find interesting. Well, the first is inherent and the risk can only be stopped by silencing oneself...that is not going to happen. The latter thought remains to be seen. Happy Reading!
vw69
Dictionary.com defines the verb "expose" as:
-to lay open to danger, attack, harm, etc.
-to lay open to something specified
-to uncover or bare to the air, cold, etc.
-to make known, disclose, or reveal (intentions, secrets, etc.)
-to reveal or unmask (a crime, fraud, impostor, etc.)
-to hold up to public reprehension or ridicule
The origins lie in the Latin word "expōnere" meaning "to put out, expose, set forth in words." Most of the definitions appear to come with some sort of risk. If this is correct, then why "expose" yourself to these potential outcomes in a public writing environment? The decision to start a blog is an odd one.
Students of history and the theory of history know that basically any form of writing is done for posterity. Many would not agree to this idea but think about it. Even for those who keep a diary there is a certain rush in the thought that someone might get their hands on the private writings. This may include fear or excitement. One thing is for sure, most people do not write down information and then destroy it so that others may not read.
Writing is also a form of art. I believe that most artists have some form of confidence in what they create whether it be music, visual art, or writing.
So, in creating this blog I risk "exposure" not of a dirty nature but of my personal thoughts on many different subjects. There must also be some part of me that feels that I have something to share that others may find interesting. Well, the first is inherent and the risk can only be stopped by silencing oneself...that is not going to happen. The latter thought remains to be seen. Happy Reading!
vw69
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