The City of Light by Jacob DâAncona
The City of Light by Jacob DâAncona Translated by David Selbourne Large illustrated hardback with fine DJ and 392 pages Published by Little, Brown and Company First published in Great Britain in ISBN: Endpapers: Map of The Travels of Jacob DâAncona. Retail price: ÂŁ Condition: unread, has been on my bookshelf since purchased new DESCRIPTION: In , Jewish scholar-merchant Jacob d'Ancona embarked on a remarkable voyage from his native Italy to Zaitun, the City of Light, a vast coastal metropolis in Southern China.. Translated and edited by David Selbourne from a manuscript hidden from the outside world for centuries, it is a brilliant work of historical significance, a fascinating first-person insight into life in the 13th century. It describes a thriving mercantile economy, whose vigorous manufacture and lavish consumption in the shadow of the impending Mongol invasion represent the swansong of a wealthy, decadent and surprisingly 'modern' society. Jacob d'Ancona's participation as a foreign trader in the grand civic debates shed unique light on, for example, the contemporary relationship of Jews and Christians, and the role for the individual in society - arguments of enduring relevance. Cash on collection please Email me with any questions Ad ID: