תיאור הספר

RARE English translation of a fascinating medieval travel account of the pilgrimage to Mecca by Ibn Jubayr (1145-1217), a geographer, traveler and poet from al-Andalus, in which he described Saladin`s domains in Egypt and the Levant which he passed through on his way to Mecca. The journey took place in the years preceding the Third Crusade - from 1183 to 1185, and on a return journey Ibn Jubayr passed through Christian Sicily, which had only been recaptured from the Muslims a century before, making several observations on the hybrid polyglot culture which flourished there. This chronicle served as a foundation of the genre of "Rihla", a creative travelogue based upon the experiences of Islamic travelers which brings together personal narrative, description of the areas traveled and personal anecdotes. The translator also supplied notes. Also included are glossary and index of persons. 240x165mm. 430 pages. Yellow cloth Hardcover. Gilt lettering on spine. Cover and spine dirty/slightly stained. Spine edges bumped. Sticker residues on spine bottom edge and hinges. Small inscription on spine. Text block yellowing and slightly stained. Library pocket mounted on front endpaper. Stamp on front and rear whitepages, title page, pages 51, 430. Pencil underlining on page 317/318. Pages yellowing, slightly wavy and rough-cut as published. [SUMMARY]: This extremely rare English translation of an influential 12th-century travel chronicle which served as a model for many later Islamic authors is in good condition.