Early Modern Media Ecology

The early modern world was a time of new epistemologies, technologies, controversies, encounters, and entertainment, leading to the development of thaumaturgy as a vital field of cultural and intercultural negotiation. This Element introduces this field and suggests a new form of historiography-media ecology-which focuses on connections, formations, and transformations and takes a global perspective.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 142 pages
Publication date: 15 February 2024
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The early modern world was a captivating and dynamic realm, brimming with enigmatic wonders and endless possibilities. It was a time of profound epistemological and technological advancements, as well as open debates about the nature of the world and the afterlife. People from diverse cultures came together, fostering encounters that enriched their understanding of each other and ignited a thirst for new and sensational experiences. This era witnessed the emergence of a vibrant visual language and the formation of diverse social constellations.

One of the most intriguing aspects of this period was the art of thaumaturgy, which encompassed a wide range of phenomena, from magic lanterns to puppets to fireworks. Thaumaturgy was not just a mere pastime but a vital field of cultural and intercultural negotiation. It blurred the boundaries between commercial entertainment, art, and religion, creating a space where the supernatural and the mundane intertwined.

Thaumaturgy played a crucial role in shaping the cultural landscape of the early modern world. It facilitated the exchange of ideas, beliefs, and practices between different societies, promoting mutual understanding and appreciation. It also served as a means of political and social commentary, allowing artists and performers to challenge the dominant narratives and ideologies of their time.

However, thaumaturgy was not just a passive phenomenon. It was also a dynamic field that evolved and transformed over time. As new technologies and epistemologies emerged, thaumaturgy adapted and incorporated them into its practices. It became a tool for scientific exploration, as scientists used it to study the nature of light, sound, and other physical phenomena. It also became a medium for artistic expression, as artists used it to create new forms of visual and performing art.

In conclusion, the early modern world was a fascinating and complex realm, characterized by the emergence of new epistemologies, technologies, and forms of entertainment. Thaumaturgy, as the art of making wonder, played a central role in this era, blurring the boundaries between the supernatural and the mundane, and facilitating cultural and intercultural negotiation. It was a dynamic field that evolved and transformed over time, serving as a tool for scientific exploration, artistic expression, and political commentary. As we continue to explore the complexities of the early modern world, thaumaturgy remains an important lens through which we can understand the past and shape the future.

Weight: 140g
Dimension: 124 x 178 x 11 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781009298100