The Journey of William of Rubruck to the Eastern Parts of the World | A Review
The Journey of William of Rubruck to the Eastern Parts of the World A Review
‘The Journey of William of Rubruck to the Eastern Parts of the World’-A Review
William of Rubruck was a 13th-century Franciscan friar and explorer who traveled from the court of King Louis IX of France to the Mongol Empire in the years 1253-1255. His account of this journey, titled “The Journey of William of Rubruck to the Eastern Parts of the World, 1253-55”, provides a valuable and detailed firsthand account of the people, cultures, and geography of Central Asia during this period.
One of the strengths of Rubruck’s account is his attention to detail. He provides a thorough description of the geography, flora, and fauna of the regions he visited, and he also documents the customs, beliefs, and practices of the people he encountered. He takes a keen interest in the religious beliefs of the people he meets, and he describes the practices of various religions, including Islam, Buddhism, and Shamanism. He also describes the political structures and power dynamics of the regions he visited, providing valuable insight into the history of Central Asia in the 13th century.
Another strength of Rubruck’s account is his ability to compare and contrast the cultures he encounters with his own European background. He is both respectful of the traditions of the people he meets and critical of some of their practices, such as the Mongol custom of killing their own horses for food. He is also keenly aware of the differences between European and Central Asian cultures, and he offers insightful commentary on the similarities and differences between them.
One weakness of Rubruck’s account is his occasional use of Christian terminology and perspectives to describe the cultures and practices of the people he encounters. This can sometimes lead to a biased portrayal of the people he meets, as well as a skewed understanding of their beliefs and practices. For example, he often describes the religions of the people he meets in terms of their relation to Christianity, which can be misleading.
Overall, “The Journey of William of Rubruck to the Eastern Parts of the World, 1253-55″ is an important and valuable account of a fascinating period of history. Rubruck’s attention to detail and his ability to compare and contrast cultures make it a valuable resource for scholars and historians interested in the history of Central Asia. However, readers should be aware of the biases and limitations of Rubruck’s account and should approach it with a critical eye. 0 0 0.
The Journey of William of Rubruck to the Eastern Parts of the World A Review
N.B. The article originally belongs to the book entitled ‘Reviews of Some Iconic Travelogues‘ by Menonim Menonimus.
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