I viaggi di Gio. da Mandavilla, vol. 1

This volume brings together some of the earliest Italian travel writings, offering a window into medieval curiosity about distant lands. The editor has carefully rendered the old Tuscan prose into a readable modern version, preserving the original’s elegance and straightforward storytelling. Readers will discover how medieval authors blended genuine observation with fanciful tales, creating a unique mix of geography, history, and cultural commentary.

At the heart of the collection is the remarkable account of Giovanni da Mandavilla, a 14th‑century knight who set out from St. Albans in England on a grand expedition across the Orient in 1322. Guided by the favor of the Babylonian sultan, he gains unprecedented access to sacred sites such as Jerusalem, and records the customs, politics, and everyday life he encounters along the way. His vivid descriptions reveal both the marvels and the moral judgments of a European traveler confronting unfamiliar societies.