The Penguin Historical Atlas of the Medieval World traces the development of peoples; cultures; and faiths between the coming of the barbarian invasions in the fourth century and the first voyages to the New World in the sixteenth. This colorful atlas illustrates the sweeping changes from the fall of the Roman Empire to the birth of Islam; the rise of Christianity; and the role of Judaism across Europe. Packed with vivid maps and photographs; this atlas is a perfect guide to Europe and its neighbors in the Middle Ages.
#9894129 in Books 2017-01-03Original language:English #File Name: 140941325X328 pages
Review
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful. West Explores East: early 15th century; Great Adventure.By P. J. RowanHello. I am not an expert on the 14th or 15th century; or on the near east; or anything like that. I was motivated to find and read this travel account after reading Barbar Tuchman; A Distant Mirror. As far as Distant Mirror goes; I really agree with the negative reviews om . DM was exhaustive yes; but exhausting. It took me forever to complete that book; and I am not sure why I did; other than stubbornness. However; at the end of Distant Mirror; the story of Schiltberger is portrayed. Schiltberger was basically a 14 yer old foot soldier in one of the final crusades: lead by King Sigismund of Hungary; with a fight against Bayezid I as Bayezid crossed from Turkey into Europe.Well; the battle does not go well for the "west;" and the 14-year-old Schilberger gets captured by the "east." This intriguing story from DM drove me to look up info on Schilberger; and I discovered that he had this account of his decades-long experience.Schilberger becomes a slave; and spends much of his adult life being employed in his slavery role here and there across the near east; and into Africa. So; he provides a naive but first-hand account of many places and peoples at that time. He also conveys many anecdotes of history; etc. that he learns along the way. Several concern Christian beliefs; such as the burial place of significant Biblical figures; and some highly unlikely stories about the enigmatic figure Prestor John; and reports of the existence and beliefs of various Nestorian and other Christian enclaves scattered across the middle east.Although this is not a direct intention of Schilberger; the book gives a portrayal of one way that slaves were regarded; treated; and used. Schiltberger survives over 30 years of being a slave; with a successful escape on his 2nd reported attempt. Here in the U.S. I think we tend to believe that a slave will be treated as African-origin slaves were in the Americas from the 1500s to 1800s: whipped; oppressed; with little chance for advancement or significant responsibility; etc. Schiltberger's experience was not quite like that. He was used as a laborer; but his roles also include envoy and other roles. It also seems as if a foreign religion was not forced upon him; although he does tell how a Christian would convert to Islam. He gives a ground-level views of Islam of the day that is interesting. he is fairly impartial regarding Islam; and other religions; for the edification of the reader; while; throughout; maintaining his Christian faith and consistently referring to Muslims by the label "Infidels" as if that were the commonly accepted; accurate; and specific term for Muslims. He also uses the more accurate "Musselman."The book is not very long; but this edition includes the accompanying notes of Telfer; a 19th century translator and scholar who helps relate the various locations and people mentioned by Schiltberger. The notes are actually longer than Schilberger's account. To triangulate some of the info; Telfer's comments includes reference to others who traveled across these paths at other times; including Marco Polo and Ibn Batuta.Overall; the narrative has a kind-of "off-the-top-of-my-head" style; and seems written by an average guy versus some scholar of the times. Schiltberger is not Froissart. This gives the book a raw; fresh feel; and some of the stories give the thrill of true adventure. The optimistic outlook was maybe due to the fact that Schiltberger survived to write; but I can imagine this guy survived largely due to pluck; cleverness; and a bit of luck. Worth a read if any of these historical topics are intersting to you. I can't compare this to other versions. Another version might be preferred for supporting material; such as if it has maps and even more informed background than Telfer was able to provide; or more consitent/current names of places and people - Schilberger varies within his own ms.This is the first book I have read from the Hakluyt Society - a centuries-old society dedicated to discovering; preserving; and publishing these various authentic historical travel accounts. I think Schilbeger's account is a good way to get into the type of literature. I enjoyed the variety and freshness compared to textbook-type histories from current authorities; even though those may be more accurate and efficient in conveying history.
