Publication:

Un autor Aragones para los veintiun libros de los ingenios y de las maquinas

    Full details

    English titleAragonian author of the twenty one books of devices and of machines
    Authors & editors

    Frago Gracia, Juan A [Author]
    Garcia-Diego, Jose A [Author]

    Publisher Diputacion General De Aragon
    Year of publication 1988
    Languages

    Spanish (main text)

    Medium Book
    Edition1
    ISBN8477530327
    Topics

    Energy & power > Ancient & medieval technology & industry

    Tags

    Scope & contentSummary Translation
    A detailed discussion and analysis on the author of two significant 16th century books/ notes, considered a Renaissance Treatise. The main focus is on whether the books were written by one author, and in one language. The first part of the book is written by Juán. A. Frago Gracía, the second is written by José A. García-Diego.

    The first chapter focuses on the linguistic changes in the book- to establish that the author was definitely Spanish as some sections of the book are in Italian, or ‘borrow’ Italian words or sounds. They discover the author, or presumed author, had travelled abroad to parts of Italy and discuss this to explain the linguistic changes.

    The Aragonese origins of the author are also discussed, as the Aragon dialect is different to the dialect written and spoken in other parts of Spain. The specific identity of the author is also discussed, as one of the authors of this book believed the author to be an unidentified person from Aragon, but now believes it was the work of Pseudo-Juanelo Turriano.

    One of the authors of the book, Jose A. Garcia-Diego presumed the author was unknown but changes his mind. The authors refute a theory presented by Nicolás García Tapia, a Renaissance engineering historian, that the author was Aragonese scientist and engineer Pedro Juan de Lastanosa.

    Various machines and devices are mentioned throughout the book, although it is mostly to determine the linguistic techniques rather than a discussion of the invention. However there are passages of the book that include direct quotations of the books, which do provide some information on some devices, particularly those related to watermills. The physical evidence of these inventions is mentioned briefly, and the disappearance of these inventions, and subsequent re-workings of the existing machinery and devices are also mentioned.

    The authors conclude that the book was written by one person due to the recurring themes and linguistic features that are established; there is a continuity throughout the notes.

    Copies held

    Accession no. 229259

    • Shelf location: F005-GRA
    • Notes: Dust jacket; Brief English summary