The Development of the Rudder: A Technological Tale (Studies in nautical archaeology) - Hardcover

Mott, Lawrence V.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1861760310 ISBN 13: 9781861760319

Publisher: Chatham Publishing, 1998

Synopsis

This work endeavours to unravel the mysteries of the evolution of a vital piece of seafaring equipment, the rudder. In the process is answers questions on why some technologies develop and endure, while others are soon replaced. The examination begins in the Roman period and from there traces rudder development through the Middle Ages to the age of exploratory navigation. The book offers an analysis of the mechanics of the various rudder systems while never losing sight of the human interest that attends the radical changes brought about by innovation.

About this title

From the Back Cover

Far exceeding anything ever before written on the subject, The Development of the Rudder endeavors to unravel the mysteries of the evolution of a vital piece of seafaring equipment. And in the process, Lawrence V. Mott answers far-reaching questions on why some technologies develop and endure, while others are soon replaced. In this first considered historical overview of the rudder, Mott begins his examination in the Roman period, and from there traces rudder development through the middle centuries to the age of exploratory navigation, by which time the quarter-rudder had been replaced by the pintle-and-gudgeon rudder. Throughout, he offers a thorough analysis of the mechanics of these rudder systems, while never losing sight of the human interest that attends the radical changes brought on by innovation. The layperson will find in this unique work a penetrating look into the history of technology at sea - a history that defies the linear cosntructs often associated with developmental and evolutionary theory. Maritime historians, nautical archaeologists, and ship modelers will embrace this book as an invaluable reference, which includes useful appendixes filled with technical data for researchers and scholars.

About the Author

Lawrence V. Mott received a B.A. from the University of California at Santa Barbara, a M.S. from the University of Wyoming, and an M.A. in anthropology with a specialization in nautical archaeology from Texas A&M University. As a member of excavation and field research teams, he has performed extensive studies on shipwrecks and medieval shipbuilding. He also has published numerous articles relating to nautical archaeology.

Edition details

• Publisher: Chatham Publishing
• Publication date: 1998
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1861760310
• ISBN 13: 9781861760319
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 224