Isolarii

Isolarii (plural of isolario) are illustrated books, originating in the 15th and 16th centuries, that describe islands. These books functioned as a hybrid of cartography, history, mythology, and travelogue, providing geographical descriptions alongside cultural information, historical anecdotes, and sometimes fantastical accounts of the islands they depicted.

Isolarii were particularly popular in Renaissance Italy. They often featured detailed maps of islands in the Mediterranean Sea, Aegean Sea, and other regions, accompanied by descriptive text outlining the island's topography, natural resources, inhabitants, history, and political status. The maps included in isolarii were often decorated with artistic flourishes, reflecting the aesthetic sensibilities of the Renaissance period.

Key features common to isolarii include:

• Maps: Detailed and often beautifully illustrated maps forming the core of the work.
• Geographical Descriptions: Information about the island's physical features, climate, flora, and fauna.
• Historical Accounts: Narratives of the island's past, including its founding, rulers, and significant events.
• Cultural Information: Descriptions of the island's inhabitants, their customs, traditions, and societal structures.
• Political Status: Information on the island's governance, alliances, and strategic importance.

Notable examples of isolarii include Benedetto Bordone's Isolario (1528), which is considered one of the earliest printed examples, and Cristoforo Buondelmonti's Liber Insularum Archipelagi (c. 1420), which, while predating the printing press, circulated widely in manuscript form. These books provide valuable insights into the geographical knowledge, cultural perceptions, and artistic practices of the Renaissance era. Isolarii served not only as informative guides but also as expressions of the era's fascination with exploration and the rediscovery of classical knowledge.