Jacques Devaulx ― Nautical Works Xxl

Seafaring ScienceThe exquisite nautical manuscript of Jacques Devaulx

500 years after the historic French seaport of Le Havre was established, TASCHEN presents a facsimile reproduction of Les premières œuvres de Jacques Devaulx, pillote en la marine, first published by Le Havre–born “Naval Pilot to the King” Jacques Devaulx in 1583.

This extraordinary illuminated manuscript, dedicated to the Duke of Joyeuse, collates nautical, astronomical, and cartographic ideas as well as Devaulx’s own extensive notes, observations, and records as a seafarer, hydrographer, cosmographer. An encylopedic reference for sailors, as well as a magnificent maritime showpiece for his royal employers, the elaborately annotated and decorated folios set out a vivid repertoire of naval and cosmographic tools and techniques, including astrolabes, nautical charts of the Atlantic Ocean, tabular statements of diurnal tides, star maps, and measurements for solar altitude.

This edition of Devaulx’s stunning document, produced in collaboration with the Bibliothèque Nationale de France, reproduces each of the 31 folios in all their dazzling art and science, including the original colorful illuminations, gold highlights, and volvelles. A companion volume features essays by Jean-Yves Sarazin and Gerhard Holzer, and a series of expert commentaries contextualizing Devaulx’s work with fascinating insight into 16th-century seafaring and exploration.