Ibn Battuta

Description

Ibn Battuta (d. ca. 700/1368 or 1369) was renowned in his own lifetime as the greatest traveller of his age. He journeyed across the entire Islamic world?from his native Tangier to China?and ventured beyond its borders into Europe and sub-Saharan Africa. His wide-ranging observations on political power, legal systems, commerce, and cultural practices in the many regions he visited lend his Travels enduring significance as an insider?s view of the Islamic world?s diversity. His storytelling, often infused with humour, irony, and pathos, vividly illustrates the gap between theory and practice, ideal and reality. Following an overview of Ibn Battuta?s journeys and the transformation of his experiences into a book, L. P. Harvey explores key themes in greater depth. These include how Ibn Battuta financed his travels, his presentation of geography and natural history, his treatment of race and gender, and the religious framework that shaped his worldview. Through Harvey?s analysis, a compelling portrait emerges of a man who, despite his human flaws, was remarkable for his energy, courage, insatiable curiosity, and his candid, skillful recounting of the world he encountered.

About the Author

L. P. Harvey, formerly Cervantes Professor of Spanish at King?s College, University of London, and Fellow of the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies, is also the author of Islamic Spain: 1250 to 1500 (1990) and Muslims in Spain: 1500 to 1614 (2005).