Historical Travel Literature

Paper Summary:

The paper presents a critical analysis of Blount's and Varthema's travel literature, questioning why, in light of their historically questionable content, they can be considered valid historical texts.

Outline
Background
Analysis of Ludovico di Varthema's "Itinerary"
Analysis of Sir Henry Blount's "A Voyage into the Levant"
Historical Significance of Both Texts and Their Purposes

From the Paper:

"Blount seeks a more academic understanding of the "Ottoman lands." Although prejudiced in the sense that it is judged and understood from the perspective of the "other," it does provide a simple framework for understanding or defining Muslims. He begins by stating this established rule: "the most important parts of all States are four: arms, religion, justice and moral customs," and explains the presence and nature of each among Muslims and in Muslims lands (Blount 177). Certainly, di Varthema does include in his descriptions accounts of the morals, law, religion and defense but, they cannot be taken as serious representation of the truth because they are so exaggerated."

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• Research Paper # 150018 : "The Vehicle Routing Problem"

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