Wilhelm von Boldensele | The Journey to the Land of the Mongols | A Review
The Journey to the Land of the Mongols
Wilhelm von Boldensele’s ‘The Journey to the Land of the Mongols’-A Review
Wilhelm von Boldensele’s “The Journey to the Land of the Mongols” is a medieval travelogue that provides a unique glimpse into the culture, society, and customs of the Mongols during the 13th century. It is an essential source for historians studying the Mongol Empire and its impact on Europe and Asia.
The book is divided into two parts. The first part is an account of the journey made by Wilhelm von Boldensele, a Franciscan friar, to the court of the Mongol Khan Güyük in 1253. The second part is a general description of the Mongol Empire and its people, customs, and society.
One of the strengths of Boldensele’s work is the detail with which he describes his journey. He provides a vivid picture of the landscape, climate, and flora and fauna of the regions he passed through. He also gives a detailed account of the people he encountered along the way, including their dress, customs, and language. This gives readers a sense of what life was like for a traveler in the 13th century.
Boldensele also provides an interesting account of the Mongol court and its customs. He describes the opulence of the Khan’s court and the ceremonies and rituals that took place there. He also gives an account of the Khan’s military campaigns and his relations with neighboring states.
In addition, Boldensele provides valuable insights into Mongol culture and society. He describes the nomadic lifestyle of the Mongols and their dependence on horses and herds for their livelihood. He also gives an account of their social organization, including their family structures, marriage customs, and religious practices. This information is useful for historians studying the social and cultural history of the Mongols.
One limitation of the book is that Boldensele’s perspective is that of a European visitor to the Mongol Empire, and he sometimes uses Eurocentric language to describe the Mongols. For example, he describes them as “savage” and “barbaric,” terms that reflect his own cultural biases rather than an accurate description of the Mongol people.
Overall, “The Journey to the Land of the Mongols” is an important primary source for historians studying the Mongol Empire and its impact on the world. It provides valuable insights into the society, culture, and customs of the Mongols and gives readers a sense of what life was like in the 13th century. 0 0 0.
Wilhelm von Boldensele The Journey to the Land of the Mongols 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:
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- World Poetry Criticism
- World Drama Criticism
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- World Essay Criticism
- Indian English Poetry Criticism
- Indian English Poets and Poetry Chief Features
- Emily Dickinson’s Poetry-A Thematic Study
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- 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 …
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