Voyager from Xanadu: Rabban Sauma and the First Journey from China to the West by Morris Rossabi

by Morris Rossabi

Excellent Book

Genres: History, China, Medieval, Nonfiction, Travel, Historical

Paperback

First published June 1, 1992

Reviews

[Walt · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a book about Rabban Sauma's travels, not an annotated version of Sauma's diary of his travels. There is a considerable distinction in this because Sauma was clearly focused on religious matters rather than the local sights and sounds of the different places he visited. Readers of this book will rarely hear Sauma's own words. Nevertheless, the book is an interesting read with sharp insights and analysis on the Ilkhans and other Mongol dynasties.

Rossabi presents several alternative theories for Sauma's lack of description on his journeys except a basic itinerary and some religious observations. I believe Rossabi favors the theory that the diaries were transcribed after death for mass distribution among Nestorian Christian communities where the emphasis was on religion. Ergo, Sauma was not lax in his writings, the scribes who inherited his writings chose to omit many passages. Their purpose was religious, not adventure. It is a good theory and certainly explains a lot of omissions that Rossabi notes in the book.

I found the description of Mongol politics to be especially interesting. There are many books on Genghis Khan; but not nearly as many covering the chaotic aftermath. Until I read this book, I did not realize just how isolated some Mongol Dynasties had become even when surrounded by fellow Mongols. Of course, everything emanates from family squabbles. The section on the Ilkhans was especially pertinent. Although they controlled much of modern-day Iraq and Iran, their capital was near Azerbaijan for access to horse fodder and a stronger military presence against their main rivals the Golden Horde. They also experienced unusual religious matters in that the early leaders were unreligious but governed a solidly Muslim empire. The result was secular vs. spiritual modes of governing depending upon the ruler. Interesting subject.

Overall, the book is informative. It is probably more informative than Sauma's original manuscript as transcribed and distributed by Nestorian followers. Rossabi attempts to dodge religious matters, even though they were obviously relevant to Sauma's diplomatic mission. Instead, Rossabi provides geo-political analysis on the places Sauma visited. An interesting and unusual read.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rossabi shares the incredible story of Rabban Sauma, a 13th century Nestorian Christian Mongol who traveled from Beijing to Rome, Paris, and even Bordeaux. Sauma also spent time in contemporary Persia and Armenia when they were part of the Ilkhanate, as well as Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire. On the face of it then, this 180 page book promises to be an excellent story given the first-hand source materials. Leading an embassy to gain European support for a war against the Mamluks, Sauma kept a diary and wrote a report for his fellow Nestorians. However, Sauma's account was heavily redacted by an early translator and compiler. The result is much of Rossabi's book is based on other primary and secondary accounts that flesh out the historical context of the period: its politics, religious diversity, and urban and architectural history. By the second half of the book, when Sauma is in Europe, much of Rossabi's narrative is evaluating the holy relics that Sauma writes most about — were they authentic? Where did they originate? Rossabi also devotes pages describing the buildings that Sauma did or didn't comment on. I felt that a discussion of authenticity in an early travel book was besides the point. More on Nestorian interest in pilgrimage and relics and its context with other pilgrimage traditions in Central Asia (such as Sufism) would have been more faithful as a cultural history. But Rossabi's approach seems to be more that of the philologist. It's an approach that curtails the wonder in the account; nevertheless, Rossabi provides a steady hand as he illuminates this under-appreciated early modern traveler. The book leaves us frustrated about what more we would learn if Sauma's account hadn't been redacted.

[Rui Igreja · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kind of interesting book about Rabban Sauma, a Nestorian monk who travels, in the 1200s, from Beijing (under Kublai Khan rule) to West Europe. He and his friend try to travel from Beijing to the Holy Land, but due to conflicts in the Middle East end up in the "Persian" Mongol khanate. Around 10 years later he travels to the Vatican and to France, where he meets the kings of France and of England, as the leader of a diplomatic representation of the Khan.