About the book
The first new translation in over 400 years of one of the great works of the Renaissance: an African diplomat's guide to Africa.
In 1518, al-Hasan ibn Muhammad al-Wazzan, a Moroccan diplomat, was seized by pirates while travelling in the Mediterranean. Brought before Pope Leo X, he was persuaded to convert to Christianity, in the process taking the name Johannes Leo Africanus. Acclaimed in the papal court for his learning, Leo would in time write his masterpiece, The Cosmography and the Geography of Africa.
The Cosmography was the first book about Africa, and the first book written by a modern African, to reach print. It would remain central to the European understanding of Africa for over 300 years, with its descriptions of lands, cities and peoples giving a singular vision of the vast continent: its urban bustle and rural desolation, its culture, commerce and warfare, its magical herbs and strange animals.
Yet it is not a mere catalogue of the exotic: Leo also invited his readers to acknowledge the similarity and relevance of these lands to the time and place they knew. For this reason, The Cosmography and Geography of Africa remains significant to our understanding not only of Africa, but of the world and how we perceive it.
Editions of Cosmography and Geography of Africa
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780241543931
- EBook
- ISBN 9780141998824
Read an Excerpt
The first new translation in over 400 years of one of the great works of the Renaissance: an African diplomat's guide to Africa.
In 1518, al-Hasan ibn Muhammad al-Wazzan, a Moroccan diplomat, was seized by pirates while travelling in the Mediterranean. Brought before Pope Leo X, he was persuaded to convert to Christianity, in the process taking the name Johannes Leo Africanus. Acclaimed in the papal court for his learning, Leo would in time write his masterpiece, The Cosmography and the Geography of Africa.
The Cosmography was the first book about Africa, and the first book written by a modern African, to reach print. It would remain central to the European understanding of Africa for over 300 years, with its descriptions of lands, cities and peoples giving a singular vision of the vast continent: its urban bustle and rural desolation, its culture, commerce and warfare, its magical herbs and strange animals.
Yet it is not a mere catalogue of the exotic: Leo also invited his readers to acknowledge the similarity and relevance of these lands to the time and place they knew. For this reason, The Cosmography and Geography of Africa remains significant to our understanding not only of Africa, but of the world and how we perceive it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cosmography and Geography of Africa about?
The first new translation in over 400 years of one of the great works of the Renaissance: an African diplomat's guide to Africa.
In 1518, al-Hasan ibn Muhammad al-Wazzan, a Moroccan diplomat, was seized by pirates while travelling in the Mediterranean. Brought before Pope Leo X, he was persuaded to convert to Christianity, in the process taking the name Johannes Leo Africanus. Acclaimed in the papal court for his learning, Leo would in time write his masterpiece, The Cosmography and the Geography of Africa.
The Cosmography was the first book about Africa, and the first book written by a modern African, to reach print. It would remain central to the European understanding of Africa for over 300 years, with its descriptions of lands, cities and peoples giving a singular vision of the vast continent: its urban bustle and rural desolation, its culture, commerce and warfare, its magical herbs and strange animals.
Yet it is not a mere catalogue of the exotic: Leo also invited his readers to acknowledge the similarity and relevance of these lands to the time and place they knew. For this reason, The Cosmography and Geography of Africa remains significant to our understanding not only of Africa, but of the world and how we perceive it.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Cosmography and Geography of Africa?
History and Archaeology > History > History: specific events and topics > Historical geography
Where can I read a sample of Cosmography and Geography of Africa?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780241543931
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Cosmography and Geography of Africa?
Leo Africanus
Who is the Publisher of the book Cosmography and Geography of Africa?
Penguin Books Ltd
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Cosmography and Geography of Africa is available as paperback(ISBN 9780241543931) and ebook(ISBN 9780141998824)
Where can I buy Cosmography and Geography of Africa online or support local independent bookshops?
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Where can I buy Cosmography and Geography of Africa?