Measured Words: Computation and Writing in Renaissance Italy

Measured Words explores the relationship between number, shape, and the written word in fifteenth- and sixteenth-century Italy, featuring four exceptional thinkers who saw deep ontological and epistemological bonds between computational and verbal thinking and production. Their shared view yielded extraordinary results, from cryptography to alphabet design to cubic equation poetry and geometry applications.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 01 June 2021
Publisher: University of Toronto Press

Measured Words: An Exploration of the Rich Commerce between Computation and Writing in Fifteenth- and Sixteenth-Century Italy
Arielle Saiber's captivating and generously illustrated work, Measured Words, delves into the fascinating relationship between number, shape, and the written word in the works of four exceptional thinkers of the time: Leon Battista Alberti, Luca Pacioli, Niccolò Tartaglia, and Giambattista Della Porta. These Renaissance humanists, despite their diverse social backgrounds and varying levels of mathematical and literary sophistication, shared a profound belief in the deep ontological and epistemological connections between computational and verbal thinking and production. Their shared vision of a network or continuity between the literary arts and mathematics led to remarkable achievements, ranging from Alberti's treatise on cryptography to Pacioli's design calculations for the Roman alphabet, Tartaglia's poetic solutions of cubic equations, and Della Porta's dramatic applications of geometry. Through a lively and cogent analysis of these and other related texts of the period, Measured Words presents brilliant examples of what interdisciplinary work can offer us.
The book begins by tracing the historical origins of computation and writing in Italy. It highlights the development of mathematical notation and the emergence of the abacus as a tool for performing arithmetic operations. Saiber then explores the ways in which these tools were used in the arts, particularly in the fields of architecture, engineering, and painting. She shows how the use of numbers and geometric shapes in these disciplines helped to create beautiful and intricate designs.
One of the key themes of Measured Words is the relationship between number and shape. Saiber argues that the two are intimately connected and that they can be used to create powerful and expressive works of art. She illustrates this point by examining the works of Alberti, Pacioli, Tartaglia, and Della Porta. Alberti's treatise on cryptography, for example, uses numbers to create complex encryption algorithms, while Pacioli's design calculations for the Roman alphabet use geometric shapes to create a beautiful and legible font. Tartaglia's poetic solutions of cubic equations use numbers to create beautiful and intricate patterns, while Della Porta's dramatic applications of geometry use numbers to create stunning visual effects.
Another important theme of Measured Words is the relationship between computation and writing. Saiber argues that the two are complementary and that they can be used to create new forms of expression. She illustrates this point by examining the works of Leonardo da Vinci, who was a master of both computation and writing. Da Vinci's notebooks contain thousands of drawings and sketches, many of which are accompanied by detailed descriptions of his mathematical and scientific calculations. Saiber shows how these calculations helped Da Vinci to develop his theories of anatomy, physics, and engineering.
Measured Words also explores the ways in which computation and writing have been used to communicate ideas and information. Saiber shows how the use of numbers and geometric shapes in maps, charts, and diagrams can help to convey complex information in a clear and concise manner. She also examines the ways in which computation and writing have been used to create new forms of literature and art. For example, the use of numbers and geometric shapes in poetry can create a sense of rhythm and melody, while the use of numbers and geometric shapes in painting can create a sense of depth and perspective.
In addition to its historical and theoretical analysis, Measured Words is also a visually stunning book. Saiber's illustrations are beautiful and intricate, and they help to bring the text to life. She uses a variety of techniques, including watercolor, ink, and digital media, to create her illustrations. Many of her illustrations are based on the works of the Renaissance humanists, and they provide a glimpse into the world of these thinkers.
Measured Words is a book that will appeal to a wide range of readers. It is suitable for students of art, history, and mathematics, as well as for anyone who is interested in the relationship between computation and writing. Saiber's writing is clear and concise, and she provides a wealth of information and insights into the subject.
In conclusion, Measured Words is a captivating and generously illustrated work that explores the rich commerce between computation and writing in fifteenth- and sixteenth-century Italy. Arielle Saiber's analysis of the relationship between number, shape, and the written word in the works of four exceptional thinkers of the time is both insightful and inspiring. Through a lively and cogent analysis of these and other related texts of the period, Measured Words presents brilliant examples of what interdisciplinary work can offer us. Whether you are a student of art, history, or mathematics, or simply interested in the relationship between computation and writing, Measured Words is a book that you will not want to miss.

Weight: 434g
Dimension: 152 x 229 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781487541958