I chose to analyze the Mapping Decadence project. These maps were created with the digital tool ArcGIS and show relationship between Decadent writers of the 19th century in Paris and their publishers based on location. Authors included in the maps are Joris Karl Huysmans, Jean Lorrain, Rachilde and Marcel Schwob. The different authors are located on different tabs and are designated with a specific colored pin, while publishers are labeled in red. Clicking on a pin opens up a pop-up box with details on books published, where the author was living or working and other information. The pins are linked based on certain time periods in that author’s life. A separate tab also puts all of the authors together on one map, along with publishers.
The map reveals details about the location of a particular author, which books were published at that time and place and which publisher was utilized. However, this map only reveals a very cut and dry version of location data and publishing timeline from the perspective of an outside observer. It obscures any detail on why an author moved, or why certain books were written at a certain time or why different publishers were used for different books. It makes very little assumptions about the author, which makes the mapping a very objective look at the author, but does not link together a narrative about the Decadent authors’ lives.
Turnball’s point about mapmakers determining what is and, more importantly, what isn’t in the representation is very clear here because I am learning a lot about how the authors moved around spatially but nothing about the authors themselves. The tab with all Decadent authors on one map is also extremely interesting but I don’t see any descriptions on how the authors interacted or connected.
An alternate map would definitely have more of a narrative angle. In particular, I would include a blurb about each author in their respective mapping tabs. In this blurb, I would make sure to have a timeline and relevant biographical details during significant timeline points. I would also expand on each pop-up pin in an attempt to relate each pin to major works and include how location might have impacted each work.
Perhaps a tab with a publisher emphasis might be useful as well. I would see if there were common publishers between Decadent authors and try to find linkages between the certain locations and popular publishers in that area.
I agree with you on several points. The creator should have a timeline and more specific information about the authors and publishers. But I was wondering how all those details could be presented in one map or several generically similar maps. The publishers’ shared interest in publishing certain authors could also be another visualization too. The links to her paper and presentation on the website are very useful in terms of deciphering the visualizations. Therefore perhaps visualizations indeed has to combine with some texts.
I also analyzed this map and agree with many of your points! I think there’s a lot of potential with this project to make it more interesting and accessible to those who do not have that much background information about the decadent movement, and you suggested several good ideas to do so. I especially like the idea of a more significant narrative within the maps, and to add how the authors interacted with each other as well.
Risha
I agree with you that the visualizations and the project itself provide little to no narrative or meaning for the purpose of this project. In the creator’s interview with Penn State News, she makes a point to say “all the writers knew each other and were often friends, so that kind of social network was important,” but, as you pointed out, depicts no emphasis of their friendships or even their interactions. Later in the interview, she says “it was curious to see that every time [Rachilde] moved, she began a new collaboration that furthered her career,” but as you mention does nothing to show her growth. I really like your vision of an alternate map with timelines and biographical information, and think it would help not only users who are not familiar with the history of these writers, but also help to promote the project’s message overall.