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| The first known volvelle was created by Benedictine
monk Matthew Paris in 1250. The traditional circular charts that appeared in the abbey's books, used to determine when to observe
holidays, were cumbersome since the books were heavy and had to be rotated on the monk's laps. Matthew decided it would be easy if the
circular chart spun around instead of the whole book and so the first volvelle was born!
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With the introduction of the printing press in the late 1400's it was possible to mass produce books as well as any paper movables inside. Petrus Apianus, shown here in 1533, was a master at this craft and created some of the most beautiful volvelles ever.
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Some of Petrus' volvelles were simple yet always contained a stunning degree of complexity and sophistication. The multi-piece volvelle, attached at the center with a plain piece of string, could be used to calculate the movements of the cosmos.
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| In 1540 Petrus produced the gorgeous Astronomicum
Caesareum . All the engravings for this very large volvelle were
painstakingly executed and then laboriously painted in with watercolors. |
These types of volvelles were very expensive
and would have been beyond the financial means of the general public.
They were usually reserved for royalty or for the well-educated (and
well-connected) scientific community. |
For the astrological or navigational student who
couldn't afford one of the big, color versions of the volvelles, Petrus and
other volvelle creators made small, pocket-size versions of their books. |
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| Some of the volvelles were very simple and could be
used to help navigate by the stars. This was certainly a more economical
way to do calculations instead of having to purchase much more
expensive metal instruments.
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The volvelles didn't necessary have to have circular
paper elements, either. A variety of shapes could be incorporated
depending on the types of calculations required.
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Today, volvelles can also be viewed exquisite pieces of
artwork. Creating the extremely delicate woodcuts or printing plates was
not an easy undertaking and one misplaced number or letter would spell
disaster for the final piece.
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The Movable Book Society (MBS) turns 10 this year and to celebrate is creating one of the most INCREDIBLE pop-up books we've ever seen! The MBS 10th Anniversary book contains pop-up and movable reproductions from some of the most famous historical creators in the field. Buy it now, click here! |
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| In a time when keeping information (or
secrets) could be of the utmost importance, volvelles also served a
diplomatic service. This hand-painted Spanish volvelle was used as a
code maker and code breaker. Who knew something as simple as a circle
could contain such intrigue?!
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