An engrossing study of Leo Africanus and his famous book; which introduced Africa to European readersAl-Hasan al-Wazzan--born in Granada to a Muslim family that in 1492 went to Morocco; where he traveled extensively on behalf of the sultan of Fez--is known to historians as Leo Africanus; author of the first geography of Africa to be published in Europe (in 1550). He had been captured by Christian pirates in the Mediterranean and imprisoned by the pope; then released; baptized; and allowed a European life of scholarship as the Christian writer Giovanni Leone. In this fascinating new book; the distinguished historian Natalie Zemon Davis offers a virtuoso study of the fragmentary; partial; and often contradictory traces that al-Hasan al-Wazzan left behind him; and a superb interpretation of his extraordinary life and work. In Trickster Travels; Davis describes all the sectors of her hero's life in rich detail; scrutinizing the evidence of al-Hasan's movement between cultural worlds; the Islamic and Arab traditions; genres; and ideas available to him; and his adventures with Christians and Jews in a European community of learned men and powerful church leaders. In depicting the life of this adventurous border-crosser; Davis suggests the many ways cultural barriers are negotiated and diverging traditions are fused.
#29134 in Books Hill and Wang 1995-03-31 1995-03-31Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 201.42 x .76 x 5.51l; .50 #File Name: 0809015803272 pagesGreat product!
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. it is truly an amazing account by a Holocaust survivorBy Phillip MarloweMy late uncle Moshe (originally called Kurt) Klein was a first cousin of Gerda Klein's husband; Kurt Klein. And so I have personal interest in this book. Nevertheless; it is truly an amazing account by a Holocaust survivor; and an insight into what so many millions of others went through and never lived to tell about their horrific experiences. There is nothing more to say; except: read it yourself to see what just one person's experience was. And then multiply that by around 6 million and you may just get an inkling as to what took place; but never will you or I be able to really reach a full understanding of the madness that was perpetrated by other human beings against others.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. A Story of love; sadness; and triumph over evil.By tornadojudiOut of all the books I have read recently about the holocaust this was the best. Part One: You fall in love with Gerda; her family; friends and home town of Bielitz. Part Two: You start the trip to hell. This part broke a little piece of my heart away and the tears ran down my cheeks. Part Three: Starting to heal and a new life.Gerda had a strong will to live and still just barely made it though the starvation and Death Walk. Her family were with her on the whole journey in mind and soul.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. I was afraid to start this bookBy Frances E. RiceI was afraid to start this book that a friend had recommended; but I am glad I did. It is a well-written account of what one woman endured under the Nazi occupation of Poland. Understated and without horrifying details; I was able to read and empathize with her. At times it was almost lyrical. Without a doubt I have a greater admiration for what the Jews endured and managed to survive during WWII.
