Description
Book Synopsis: A captivating journey of the expansive world of medieval travel, from London to Constantinople to the court of China and beyond. Europeans of the Middle Ages were the first to use travel guides to orient their wanderings, as they moved through a world punctuated with miraculous wonders and beguiling encounters. In this vivid and alluring history, medievalist Anthony Bale invites readers on an odyssey across the medieval world, recounting the advice that circulated among those venturing to the road for pilgrimage, trade, diplomacy, and war. Journeying alongside scholars, spies, and saints, from Western Europe to the Far East, the Antipodes and the ends of the earth, Bale provides indispensable information on the exchange rate between Bohemian ducats and Venetian groats, medieval cures for seasickness, and how to avoid extortionist tour guides and singing sirens. He takes us from the streets of Rome, more ruin than tourist spot, and tours of the Khan's court in Beijing to Mamluk-controlled Jerusalem, where we ride asses across the holy terrain, and bustling bazaars of Tabriz. We also learn of rumored fantastical places, like ones where lambs grow on trees and giant canes grow fruit made of gems. And we are offered a glimpse of what non-European travelers thought of the West on their own travels. Using previously untranslated contemporaneous documents from a colorful range of travelers, and from as far and wide as Turkey, Iceland, North Africa, and Russia, A Travel Guide to the Middle Ages is a witty and unforgettable exploration of how Europeans understood--and often misunderstood--the larger world. 20 illustrations; 6 maps
Details
Embark on a thrilling adventure through time with "A Travel Guide to the Middle Ages: The World Through Medieval Eyes" book! Dive into the fascinating world of medieval travel, from iconic cities like London and Constantinople to exotic lands like China. Discover the secrets and wonders that captivated travelers of the Middle Ages as they journeyed for pilgrimage, trade, diplomacy, and war. Let medievalist Anthony Bale guide you through this enchanting odyssey across continents, providing valuable insights and tips for your own virtual exploration.
Uncover the intricate details of medieval travel, from the exchange rates of Bohemian ducats to Venetian groats, to ancient remedies for seasickness. Learn how to navigate through bustling markets, avoid cunning tour guides, and outsmart deceptive sirens. Be transported to distant lands as you traverse the vivid streets of Rome, the courts of the Khan in Beijing, and the vibrant bazaars of Tabriz. Discover mythical locations where lambs grow on trees and fruits are made of gems, as well as the perceptions of non-European travelers about the Western world on their own voyages.
Experience the magic of medieval exploration vividly brought to life through 20 illustrations and 6 detailed maps. Join a diverse cast of travelers on their exhilarating journeys across Europe, Asia, and beyond, as they face challenges, forge alliances, and unravel the mysteries of the medieval world. "A Travel Guide to the Middle Ages" is an unforgettable blend of history, adventure, and humor that will transport you back in time and inspire your own wanderlust.
Don't miss out on this captivating journey! Click here to order your copy today and experience the allure of medieval travel firsthand.
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