The Development of the Rudder A Technological Tale by Lawrence V. Mott

Far exceeding anything ever before written on the subject, The Development of the Rudder endeavors to unravel the mysteries of the evolution of a vital piece of seafaring equipment. And in the process, author Lawrence V. Mott answers far-reaching questions on why some technologies develop and endure, while others are soon replaced. In this first considered historical overview of the rudder, Mott begins his examination in the Roman period and from there traces rudder development through the middle centuries to the age of exploratory navigation.

Before the twelfth century in northern Europe, ships were steered by a quarter-rudder mounted on the stern side of the vessel. The use of the quarter-rudder persisted up until the fourteenth century in the Mediterranean. There, two quarter-mounted steering oars were used.

By the age of exploration, the quarter-rudder had been replaced by the pintle-and-gudgeon rudder, hung from the sternpost. Throughout, Mott offers a thorough analysis of the mechanics of these rudder systems while never losing sight of the human interest that attends the radical changes brought on by innovation.

LAWRENCE V. MOTT of Minneapolis, Minnesota, earned an M.A. in anthropology with a specialization in nautical archaeology from Texas A&M University. He has performed extensive studies on shipwrecks and medieval shipbuilding and published numerous articles on the subject.

Number Three: Studies in Nautical Archaeology

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The Development of the Rudder
ISBN 0-89096-723-7 paper $19.95

LC 96-8051. 6x9. 240 pp. 44 b&w photos. 53 line drawings.
4 tables. 4 charts. 3 apps. Gloss. Bib. Index.
Nautical Archaeology. Maritime History.

Publication Date: January 1997.

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