Synopsis
“[An] immensely entertaining history.” ―The New Yorker
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"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
About the Author
Anthony Bale is professor of Medieval and Renaissance English at the University of Cambridge and fellow of Girton College, Cambridge. He has received research fellowships from Harvard University and the Huntington Library, among others, and was awarded the Philip Leverhulme Prize. He lives in London.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Other Popular Editions of the Same Title
Search results for A Travel Guide to the Middle Ages: The World Through...
Seller Image
A Travel Guide to the Middle Ages: The World Through Medieval Eyes
Seller: -OnTimeBooks-, Phoenix, AZ, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: very_good. Gently read. May have name of previous ownership, or ex-library edition. Binding tight; spine straight and smooth, with no creasing; covers clean and crisp. Minimal signs of handling or shelving. 100% GUARANTEE! Shipped with delivery confirmation, if you're not satisfied with purchase please return item for full refund. Ships USPS Media Mail. Seller Inventory # OTV.1324106980.VG
Stock Image
A Travel Guide to the Middle Ages: The World Through Medieval Eyes
Seller: HPB-Ruby, Dallas, TX, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
paperback. Condition: Very Good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority! Seller Inventory # S_463852971
Stock Image
A Travel Guide to the Middle Ages: The World Through Medieval Eyes
Seller: ThriftBooks-Atlanta, AUSTELL, GA, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Paperback. Condition: Very Good. No Jacket. May have limited writing in cover pages. Pages are unmarked. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less. Seller Inventory # G1324106980I4N00
Stock Image
A Travel Guide to the Middle Ages: The World Through Medieval Eyes
Seller: Books From California, Simi Valley, CA, U.S.A.
Seller rating 4 out of 5 stars
paperback. Condition: Very Good. Seller Inventory # mon0003980515
Seller Image
Travel Guide to the Middle Ages : The World Through Medieval Eyes
Seller: GreatBookPrices, Columbia, MD, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: New. Seller Inventory # 49203351-n
Stock Image
A Travel Guide to the Middle Ages : The World Through Medieval Eyes
Published by
Norton & Company Limited, W. W., 2025
ISBN 10: 1324106980
ISBN 13: 9781324106982
Used
Softcover
Seller: Better World Books: West, Reno, NV, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Very Good. Pages intact with possible writing/highlighting. Binding strong with minor wear. Dust jackets/supplements may not be included. Stock photo provided. Product includes identifying sticker. Better World Books: Buy Books. Do Good. Seller Inventory # 55816821-75
Stock Image
A Travel Guide to the Middle Ages: The World Through Medieval Eyes
Seller: Lakeside Books, Benton Harbor, MI, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: New. Brand New! Not Overstocks or Low Quality Book Club Editions! Direct From the Publisher! We're not a giant, faceless warehouse organization! We're a small town bookstore that loves books and loves it's customers! Buy from Lakeside Books! Seller Inventory # OTF-S-9781324106982
Seller Image
Travel Guide to the Middle Ages : The World Through Medieval Eyes
Seller: GreatBookPrices, Columbia, MD, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: As New. Unread book in perfect condition. Seller Inventory # 49203351
Seller Image
A Travel Guide to the Middle Ages
Seller: Rarewaves USA, OSWEGO, IL, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Paperback. Condition: New. 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. Seller Inventory # LU-9781324106982
Stock Image
A Travel Guide to the Middle Ages: The World Through Medieval Eyes
Seller: California Books, Miami, FL, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: New. Seller Inventory # I-9781324106982