Travel in the Middle Ages

Travel in the Middle Ages is filled with the stories and adventures of those who hazarded hostile landscapes, elements, and people--out of want or necessity--to get from place to place. While most journeys involved very short distances (home to market or village to village), longer trips were not uncommon in the Middle Ages. Clergy were frequently called upon to act as ambassadors, messengers, and overseers to the various monasteries and churches within their jurisdiction. Merchants, agents of the king, and pilgrims were also frequently required to travel. While sharing the fascinating stories of these ordinary wayfarers, Verdon also relates colorful tales of the journeys of notable historical figures such as Marco Polo and Christopher Columbus. Part I of Travel in the Middle Ages addresses the means by which people traveled. This section contains vivid descriptions of modes of conveyance, road systems, sea lanes, tolls, taxes, and even pirates. Knowing the risks involved, why did people brave the uncertainty of travel? Part II of the book addresses this question by identifying five main motivational categories of medieval travel. Part III deals with travel myths, monsters, and fictitious journeys of medieval fantasy writers. Verdon concludes with a pithy critique of travel in the modern world. Appearing for the first time in an English translation, Travel in the Middle Ages will delight anyone with an interest in medieval culture or travel books.

Author: Jean Verdon
Publisher: University of Notre Dame Press
Published: 05/30/2003
Pages: 360
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 1.10lbs
Size: 9.26h x 5.84w x 1.00d
ISBN: 9780268042233

Review Citation(s):
Choice 01/01/2004 pg. 984
Univ PR Books for Public Libry 01/01/2004 pg. 83 - Outstanding

About the Author
JEAN VERDON is professor emeritus of literature and humanities at Universite Limoges. He is the author of numerous books, including Night in the Middle Ages, published by the University of Notre Dame Press.