The Six Voyages of Tavernier | A Review
The Six Voyages of Tavernier
The Six Voyages of Tavernier-A Review
Jean-Baptiste Tavernier was a French merchant and traveler who made several voyages to Asia during the 17th century. His book, “Les six voyages de Jean-Baptiste Tavernier” (The Six Voyages of Jean-Baptiste Tavernier), is a detailed account of his travels and experiences in the Middle East, India, and the Far East. The book was first published in French in 1676 and has since been translated into several languages. Here is a detailed review of Tavernier’s travel book.
Content and Structure:
The book is divided into six parts, each corresponding to one of Tavernier’s voyages. Each part begins with an introduction and a description of the route Tavernier took, followed by a detailed account of the places he visited, the people he met, and the customs and traditions he observed. The book includes numerous illustrations and maps, which provide a visual representation of the places Tavernier visited.
Writing Style and Language:
Tavernier’s writing style is descriptive and vivid, which makes the reader feel as if they are traveling alongside him. His language is simple and clear, making the book accessible to readers of all levels. However, the book’s length and the amount of detail provided may be overwhelming for some readers.
Accuracy and Authenticity:
Tavernier’s accounts are based on his personal observations and experiences. While his book has been criticized for being biased and subjective at times, it remains an important historical document that provides valuable insights into the cultures and societies he encountered. Tavernier’s descriptions of the architecture, art, and customs of the places he visited are particularly noteworthy, as they provide a unique perspective on these cultures from an outsider’s point of view.
Impact and Significance:
The Six Voyages of Tavernier is a significant work in the history of travel writing. Tavernier’s accounts of the diamond trade in India and the court of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, among other things, have been used by historians to gain a better understanding of these topics. The book also played a significant role in shaping European perceptions of Asia during the 17th century and remains a valuable resource for scholars and researchers today.
Conclusion:
Overall, “Les six voyages de Jean-Baptiste Tavernier” is a fascinating and informative book that provides a detailed account of one man’s travels through Asia during the 17th century. While it may not be the easiest read, it is well worth the effort for those interested in history, travel writing, or Asian cultures. Tavernier’s firsthand observations and experiences provide a unique perspective on the places he visited and the people he encountered, making the book a valuable resource for researchers and scholars today. 0 0 0.
The Six Voyages of Tavernier | A Review
N.B. The article originally belongs to the book entitled ‘Reviews of Some Iconic Travelogues‘ by Menonim Menonimus.
Books of Literary Criticism by M. Menonimus:
- World Short Story Criticism
- World Poetry Criticism
- World Drama Criticism
- World Novel Criticism
- World Essay Criticism
- Indian English Poetry Criticism
- Indian English Poets and Poetry Chief Features
- Emily Dickinson’s Poetry-A Thematic Study
- Walt Whitman’s Poetry-A Thematic Study
- Critical Essays on English Poetry
- Tawfiq al-Hakim’s Novel: Return of the Spirit-An Analytical Study
- Tawfiq al-Hakim’s Novel: ‘Yawmiyyat Naib Fil Arayaf’-An Analytical Study
- Analytical Studies of Some Arabic Short Stories
- A Brief History of Arabic Literature: Pre-Islamic Period (500 AD-622 AD)
- A Brief History of Arabic Literature: Early Islamic Period (622 AD-661 AD)
- Reviews on William Shakespeare’s Works
- Reviews of John Milton’s Literary Works
- Reviews of Some Iconic Travelogues …
Additional Searches:
- 15 Travel Books
- Travelogues
- Chronicles of Travellers
- Foreign Travellers in Medieval India
- Arabian Travellers
- Greek Travellers
- Chinese Travellers
- Fa-hien
- Ibn Battuta
