Title
The Mission of Friar William of Rubruck: His Journey to the Court of the Great Khan Mngke, 12531255 (Hakluyt Society, Second Se,Used
Processing time: 1-3 days
US Orders Ships in: 3-5 days
International Orders Ships in: 8-12 days
Return Policy: 15-days return on defective items
Payment Option
Prior to the 13th century the horizons of Western Christians extended no further than the principalities of what is now European Russia and the Islamic powers of the near East. Beyond lay a world of which they had only the haziest impressions. The belief that Christian communities were to be found here was nurtured in the 12th century by the growth of the legend of Prester John; but otherwise Asia was peopled in the Western imagination by monstrous races borrowed from the works of late Antiquity. The rise of the Mongol empire, however, and the Mongol devastation of Hungary and Poland in 12412, brought the West into much closer contact with Inner Asia. Embassies were being exchanged with the Mongols from 1245; Italian merchants began to profit from the commercial opportunities offered by the union of much of Asia under a single power; and the newly emerging orders of preaching friars, the Franciscans and the Dominicans, who had been active in Eastern Europe and in the Islamic world since the 1220s, found their field of operations greatly expanded. The Franciscan William of Rubruck, who travelled through the Mongol empire in 125355, composed the earliest report of such a missionary journey that has come down to us. Couched in the form of a long letter to the French king Louis IX, this remarkable document constitutes an extremely valuable source on the Mongols during the era of their greatness. Rubruck was also the first Westerner to make contact with Buddhism, to describe the shamanistic practices by which the Mongols and other steppe peoples set such store, and to make detailed observations on the Nestorian Christian church and its rites. His remarks on geography, ethnography and fauna (notably the ovis poli, which he encountered a generation before the more celebrated Venetian adventurer from whom it takes its scientific name) give him an additional claim to be one of the keenest of medieval European observers to have travelled in Asia. This new annotated translation is designed to supersede that of W.W. Rockhill, published by the Society in 1900, by relating Rubruck's testimony to the wealth of material on Mongol Asia that has become accessible in other sources over the past nine decades.
⚠️ WARNING (California Proposition 65):
This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
For more information, please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
- Q: How many pages does the book have? A: This book has three hundred twenty-eight pages. It provides a detailed account of Friar William of Rubruck's travels.
- Q: What is the binding type of this book? A: The book is a hardcover edition. This type of binding offers durability and a premium feel.
- Q: What are the dimensions of the book? A: The book measures six point two inches in length, zero point ninety-eight inches in width, and nine point three inches in height. These dimensions make it a convenient size for reading.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The author is Peter Jackson. He is known for his expertise in historical texts and contributions to the study of the Mongol empire.
- Q: What is the main theme of the book? A: The main theme revolves around Friar William of Rubruck's missionary journey to the court of the Great Khan. It explores cultural exchanges between East and West during the thirteenth century.
- Q: What genre does this book belong to? A: This book is categorized under historical non-fiction. It provides an accurate account of historical events and cultural interactions.
- Q: Is this book suitable for academic use? A: Yes, this book is suitable for academic use. It serves as a valuable resource for students and researchers interested in Mongol history.
- Q: Can I read this book if I'm not familiar with the subject? A: Yes, you can read this book without prior knowledge of the subject. It includes annotations that provide context and explanations.
- Q: Is this book appropriate for children? A: No, this book is not primarily intended for children. It contains complex themes and historical analysis more suitable for adults.
- Q: How should I store this hardcover book? A: Store this book upright on a shelf in a dry place. Keep it away from direct sunlight to preserve its quality.
- Q: What is the best way to clean the book? A: To clean the book, gently dust the cover with a soft cloth. Avoid using water or cleaners that may damage the binding or pages.
- Q: Is the book safe for handling by young readers? A: Yes, the book is safe for handling, but supervision is recommended for very young readers due to its content and value.
- Q: What if the book arrives damaged? A: If the book arrives damaged, you should contact the seller for a return or exchange. Most sellers provide options for damaged goods.
- Q: Does this book have illustrations or maps? A: No, this book does not contain illustrations or maps. It primarily features text and annotations.
- Q: Is there a glossary or index in the book? A: Yes, the book includes an index. This helps readers locate specific topics or references efficiently.