For good or for ill, and I’m of the opinion that it is not entirely one or the other, with the development of various technologies and changes in the way the natural world was viewed, many societies have become quite literally disenchanted. And yet…
Prior to the late medieval period in England, reading was an activity largely confined to those who were fluent in Latin, and who either had access to libraries or who could afford the high prices books commanded in the marketplace. However around 1400, thanks to technological developments and more frequent translation of Latin works into English, a larger portion of the population began to make the reading of books, especially utilitarian books such as almanacs, medical recipe collections, and herbals part of their lives, particularly in regard to how they managed their health, homes, and the conduct of their lives.
Since being introduced to the world in 2019, the Princeton University Press Pedia series of books has brought readers pocket-sized, delight- and information-filled compendia of interesting facts about a number of subjects, including fungi, flowers, trees, dinosaurs, and most recently dogs.
Megalodons and mermaids! Upon opening the package that contained a copy of the newly published book “Megalodons, Mermaids, and Climate Change; Answers to Your Ocean and Atmosphere Questions” by Dr. Ellen Prager and Dave Jones, I immediately thought how superbly appropriate the beginning of the title would be to have been included in Captain Nancy Blackett’s collection of colourful and creative oaths.