Ambrogio Contarini / Giosofat Barbaro
Librería Samer Atenea
Kálamo Books
Librería Elías (Asturias)
Librería Kolima (Madrid)
Librería Proteo (Málaga)
The wind stirs the dust of a Persian road as a lone European traveller approaches the distant domes of an unfamiliar city, his senses alive to the scents, sounds, and secrets of a world few Westerners have ever seen. Such is the atmosphere evoked in this evocative narrative, a first-hand account of journeys that bridged the gap between Renaissance Venice and the enigmatic kingdoms of the East. Chronicling the experiences of Italian travellers in Persia during the 15th and 16th centuries, the narrative offers a rare window into the daily life, courtly intrigue, and shifting alliances of early modern Persia. Every page is suffused with the tension and fascination of cross-cultural encounter, where merchants, diplomats, and explorers navigated not only the physical challenges of travel in the Middle East, but also the complex codes and customs of Persian society. The work stands as a testament to the curiosity and resilience of European explorers in Persia, whose observations capture both the grandeur and the subtleties of a civilisation at the crossroads of history. The narrative’s detailed descriptions of journeys to Tana and Persia, its keen eye for local customs, and its reflections on the wider currents of medieval travel literature, make it a touchstone for those interested in Persian travel narratives and the broader sweep of Renaissance era exploration. It is a work that rewards both the casual reader, drawn to tales of distant lands and times, and the collector seeking a foundational text in the history of Persian historical journeys. This book was out of print for decades and is now republished by Alpha Editions. It has been restored for today’s and future generations. This edition is not just a reprint - it’s a collector’s item and a cultural treasure.
