The Observations of Gilles le Bouvier: A Medieval Herald’s View of Europe and its Neighbouring Lands
Edited and translated by Gideon Brough and Sophie Patrick
Bloomsbury Academic
ISBN: 978-1-3504-1895-0
Written in the mid-15th century by a French diplomat, this newly translated report offers more than just a glimpse of Europe’s lands and regions. Part travel guide and part survey, it provides a concise yet vivid look at the peoples and states of the medieval world.
Excerpt:
This is the first time the Gilles le Bouvier’s book, Le Livre de la description des payes, as it was later titled, has been relayed into English. 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.
Who is this book for?
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.
The Translators
Gideon Brough teaches at the Open University. Sophie Patrick is Lecturer in French at University of New England in Australia.
The Observations of Gilles le Bouvier is a landmark English-language version of the work of the senior herald to King Charles VII. Gideon Brough & Sophie Patrick provide a compelling & unique historical source for understanding life in late-medieval Europe https://t.co/4bviMu1mdhpic.twitter.com/OmSXP3B9ha
The Observations of Gilles le Bouvier: A Medieval Herald’s View of Europe and its Neighbouring Lands
Edited and translated by Gideon Brough and Sophie Patrick
Bloomsbury Academic
ISBN: 978-1-3504-1895-0
Written in the mid-15th century by a French diplomat, this newly translated report offers more than just a glimpse of Europe’s lands and regions. Part travel guide and part survey, it provides a concise yet vivid look at the peoples and states of the medieval world.
Excerpt:
This is the first time the Gilles le Bouvier’s book, Le Livre de la description des payes, as it was later titled, has been relayed into English. 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.
Who is this book for?
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.
The Translators
Gideon Brough teaches at the Open University. Sophie Patrick is Lecturer in French at University of New England in Australia.
You can learn more about this book from the publisher’s website.
You can buy this book on Amazon.com | Amazon.ca | Amazon.co.uk
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