Insularity and Maritime framing in Northern Europe:  The shaping of early modern notions concerning islands, isolation and connectivity by Olaus Magnus 1535-1555

This research shows how notions of insularity and the role of islands within the maritime systems of Northern Europe were thought of and consolidated during the Early Modern period. Northern Europe experienced transitions on economic and cultural levels. The Swedish scholar and ecclesiast in exile, Olaus Magnus, brought forth a representation concerning the Northern lands encompassing tradition, politics, heritage and Scandinavian culture into his work. Firstly by his map the 'Carta Marina' published in 1539 and later on with his chronicle the 'History of the Nordic Peoples' published in 1555. By linking Olaus' representation of islands with the historiograhpical insular discourse concerning islands resembling either isolation or connectivity, the way these islands were implemented into the maritime networks of Europe shows what purpose they fulfilled as well as how this adhered to their conceptualization. Islands before thought of as isolated can be viewed as tied into European...Show moreThis research shows how notions of insularity and the role of islands within the maritime systems of Northern Europe were thought of and consolidated during the Early Modern period. Northern Europe experienced transitions on economic and cultural levels. The Swedish scholar and ecclesiast in exile, Olaus Magnus, brought forth a representation concerning the Northern lands encompassing tradition, politics, heritage and Scandinavian culture into his work. Firstly by his map the 'Carta Marina' published in 1539 and later on with his chronicle the 'History of the Nordic Peoples' published in 1555. By linking Olaus' representation of islands with the historiograhpical insular discourse concerning islands resembling either isolation or connectivity, the way these islands were implemented into the maritime networks of Europe shows what purpose they fulfilled as well as how this adhered to their conceptualization. Islands before thought of as isolated can be viewed as tied into European maritime systems through Olaus Magnus' map and chronicle.Show less

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Insularity and Maritime framing in Northern Europe: The shaping of early modern notions concerning islands, isolation and connectivity by Olaus Magnus 1535-1555