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Ibn Battuta
Ibn Battuta was famous in his own lifetime during the 14th Century as the greatest traveller of the age. He traversed the whole Islamic world (from his native Tangier to China), and crossed over its boundaries in Europe and sub-Saharan Africa. He was variously attacked by pirates, shipwrecked, marooned and kidnapped. His observations on political power, and on legal, commercial and cultural practices in the numerous places that he visited. give his Travels an enduring fascination. This narrative of high adventure rivals, or even surpasses, the explorations of Battuta's near contemporary, Marco Polo. Told with hum our, irony and pathos, his travelogue is filled with marvels which blend idealism with reality. L. P. Harvey reviews Ibn Battuta's journeys and discusses the major themes of the Travels. He examines the financing of Ibn Battuta's adventures; how geography and natural history are presented by him; how the Travels engage with issues of race and gender; and the religious milieu through which Ibn Battuta moved. Harvey's account of the traveller reveals the vivid portrait of a man with his fair share of human failings, but who was nonetheless remarkable for his courage, unbounded curiosity, and for the candor and skill with which he reported on the world as he had found it.
150 pages, Paperback
First published June 10, 2007
36 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
August 14, 2018
A short (maybe ~120 pages excluding index and notes) summary of Ibn Battuta, his famous book and his journey with the author's critical examination. Ibn Battuta was clearly remarkable traveller for his age. This book talks about an outline of his journey, as well as discussion of selected themes such as the diversity of Muslims, how Ibn Battuta financed his journey, or treatment of women during his time. I find it interesting that Ibn Battuta's relationship with women is quite unexpected for today's standard, he must have had way too many wives and female slaves.
I think the author is very fair in his evaluation, sometimes pointing out hard-to-believe parts of Ibn Battuta's story, sometimes defending him against unfair criticism and sometimes putting his actions in context of his time. It's important to see historical figures with all their oddities and failings, and not just blindly see them as perfect and infallible heroes
I think the author is very fair in his evaluation, sometimes pointing out hard-to-believe parts of Ibn Battuta's story, sometimes defending him against unfair criticism and sometimes putting his actions in context of his time. It's important to see historical figures with all their oddities and failings, and not just blindly see them as perfect and infallible heroes
August 21, 2013
The book was a mild mental torture.
I got the feeling that LP Harvey was looking for loopholes or anything that could make him doubt the veracity of Ibn Battuta's travels and that he would only accept the travels as true only when Ibn Battuta himself takes birth again and relate it to Harvey.
Not worth it, don't buy the book.
I got the feeling that LP Harvey was looking for loopholes or anything that could make him doubt the veracity of Ibn Battuta's travels and that he would only accept the travels as true only when Ibn Battuta himself takes birth again and relate it to Harvey.
Not worth it, don't buy the book.
March 10, 2018
I just finished this book and am really pleased with it as a whole.
It is about 115 pages long so is a condensed version of Ibn Battuta's own account of his travels. This was perfect for me as I was curious about what he had achieved but didn't think I could read a very long work on it, maybe in the future.
This book was very easy to read and a great way of summarising his travels without feeling like too much was left out.
People give this book bad ratings because in some parts the Author questions the credibility of Ibn Battuta in his writing. In my opinion, both the anger and the questioning by the Author are understandable.
There is no doubt that Ibn Battuta had an epic journey across different continents and across thousands of miles. What there is discussion about are the details of his journey, what he saw himself and what he heard from others.
Some criticisms may be seen as valid, but I did count a handful of times where the Author seemed a bit snarky on illustrating these criticisms. This was rare however and the book is generally objective in nature.
If you are expecting a book full of blind praise and awe for Ibn Battuta, this book is probably not for you. If you are interested in the man and his travels, this is GREAT as a short read to get you up to speed without feeling left out.
The latter third of the book goes on to mention particulars about Ibn Battuta and his travels, such as the women he married and his children, how he must have financed his travels and the animals he is reported to have seen.
I would personally recommend this book, very engaging read.
It is about 115 pages long so is a condensed version of Ibn Battuta's own account of his travels. This was perfect for me as I was curious about what he had achieved but didn't think I could read a very long work on it, maybe in the future.
This book was very easy to read and a great way of summarising his travels without feeling like too much was left out.
People give this book bad ratings because in some parts the Author questions the credibility of Ibn Battuta in his writing. In my opinion, both the anger and the questioning by the Author are understandable.
There is no doubt that Ibn Battuta had an epic journey across different continents and across thousands of miles. What there is discussion about are the details of his journey, what he saw himself and what he heard from others.
Some criticisms may be seen as valid, but I did count a handful of times where the Author seemed a bit snarky on illustrating these criticisms. This was rare however and the book is generally objective in nature.
If you are expecting a book full of blind praise and awe for Ibn Battuta, this book is probably not for you. If you are interested in the man and his travels, this is GREAT as a short read to get you up to speed without feeling left out.
The latter third of the book goes on to mention particulars about Ibn Battuta and his travels, such as the women he married and his children, how he must have financed his travels and the animals he is reported to have seen.
I would personally recommend this book, very engaging read.
June 21, 2017
the author was very pessimistic, full of negativity towards ibn battuta..i would advice not to read this book. otherwise ull have to sift through all those negativity. better channel ur time to other books
April 20, 2014
I regret buying this book without reading any reviews!
The doubts of the writer about Ibn Battuta's journeys is so tiring that it sucks the energy out of the reader and makes you doubt Ibn Battuta's truthfulness so much that focussing on the 'real story' becomes impossible.
As a reader I find it important/necessary that a writer is objective and let's me know about the 'truth' so to say. However, a small explanation in the introduction should be enough. L.P Harvey continues to question every little thing happend as if he is determined to make the reader believe that 70% of Ibn Batutta's details on his journey is fiction.
My reccomendation: try to look for another book about Ibn Battuta
The doubts of the writer about Ibn Battuta's journeys is so tiring that it sucks the energy out of the reader and makes you doubt Ibn Battuta's truthfulness so much that focussing on the 'real story' becomes impossible.
As a reader I find it important/necessary that a writer is objective and let's me know about the 'truth' so to say. However, a small explanation in the introduction should be enough. L.P Harvey continues to question every little thing happend as if he is determined to make the reader believe that 70% of Ibn Batutta's details on his journey is fiction.
My reccomendation: try to look for another book about Ibn Battuta
March 18, 2014
Regret buying it. Full of criticism toward's Battuta's Ri7alat
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews