"It emerges as an unusual book and the author methodically worked to a formula throughout this piece, writing on the geographical details of most, perhaps all, of Europe's states as well as many lands in the Near East, the Caucasus region and lands bordering the Mediterranean and Black seas. He commented briefly on the size and common foodstuffs of each of these lands, covering a vast swath of the known world in a relatively short work."
"This book is an excellent choice for students of medieval history. The translation is lively and accessible, making it easy to follow as the writer describes places such as England ("a nation of cruel and bloodthirsty people"), Florence ("a great many beautiful houses and forts which resemble castles"), and Turkey ("these people are open, agreeable people and are the most honest of all the Saracens, and the best men of war"). A useful text for those studying travel literature as well as views of the medieval world."
A mid-15th-century French diplomat recorded systematic geographical descriptions of most European states and numerous lands in the Near East, the Caucasus, and territories bordering the Mediterranean and Black seas. The survey notes region sizes, common foodstuffs, and population characteristics in concise entries. Entries present vivid national portraits and assign moral and military qualities to peoples and cities. England is depicted as cruel and bloodthirsty; Florence is noted for many beautiful houses and forts resembling castles; Turkey is described as open, agreeable, honest among Saracens, and strong in warfare. Such descriptions inform studies of medieval history and travel literature.
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