Christian Pilgrim in Medieval Iraq : Riccoldo da Montecroce's Encounter with Islam

George-tvrtkovic, Rita

ISBN 10: 2503532373 / ISBN 13: 9782503532370

Published by Brepols Publishers, 2012

About this Item

Unread book in perfect condition.

Seller Inventory # 18942698

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Christian Pilgrim in Medieval Iraq : Riccoldo da Montecroce's Encounter with Islam
• Publisher: Brepols Publishers
• Publication Date: 2012
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 2503532373
• ISBN 13: 9782503532370
• Binding: Hardcover
• Condition: As New

About this title

Synopsis

This book analyses the events of a decade long encounter between an Italian Dominican, Riccoldo da Montecroce (c. 1243-1320), and the Muslims of Baghdad, as recounted by the friar himself. While many of Riccoldo's views of the Muslims are consonant with those of his medieval confreres, the author examines the much more ambivalent sections of his writings, such as his praise-filled descriptions of Muslim praxis, his obvious love of Qur'anic Arabic, his frequent references to personal encounters with Muslims, and his candid descriptions of the wonder and doubt which these confrontations often elicited. The author argues that the tensions and inconsistencies inherent in Riccoldo's account of Islam should not be viewed as defects. Rather, she contends, their presence illustrates the complex nature of interreligious encounter itself. In addition to a critical discussion, this volume provides--for the first time--English translations of two remarkable Riccoldian texts: The Book of Pilgrimage (Liber peregrinationis) and Letters to the Church Triumphant (Epistolae ad ecclesiam triumphantem).

Review

"The monograph gives an excellent introduction to a figure that should be much better known. In addition, the volume provides the welcome bonus of translations of both the Liber peregrinationis and the Epistolae, which have never before been translated fully into English. This will broaden the appeal of the book considerably; both are fascinating texts that could be assigned in any undergraduate or graduate class." -- Christopher MacEvitt, The Medieval Review, 14.09.08