- Hardcover: 351 pages
- Publisher: John Murray; 1st ed. edition (26 April 2001)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0719558492
- ISBN-13: 978-0719558498
- Product Dimensions: 24.2 x 16.2 x 3.8 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
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Amazon Bestsellers Rank:
793,872 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #47 in Books > History > Countries & Regions > Asia > 500-1500
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More About the Author
Product Description
Amazon.co.uk Review
The Thomas Cook/Daily Telegraph Travel Book Award is not handed out lightly, and is almost invariably given to travel writing of a rare order. Tim Mackintosh-Smith is a very worthy recipient, and Travels with a Tangerine will no doubt inspire (as did his earlier Yemen) comparisons to the giants of writing about the Arabic world, from Lawrence's Seven Pillars of Wisdom to Wilfred Thesiger.
Travels with a Tangerine is subtitled A Journey in the Footnotes of Ibn Battutah, and finds Mackintosh-Smith utilising his impressive knowledge of Arabic studies in a fascinating journey to find the real Arabia. For the past 17 years (when not travelling), he has lived in the Yemeni capital San'a, and this invaluable background has made him the perfect guide to the exotic landscapes of Arabia. Here, the author travels in the footsteps of a ghost. Ibn Battutah was the greatest traveller of the pre-mechanical age, setting out in 1325 from his native Tangier on a pilgrimage to Mecca. His journey took 29 years, and he visited most of the known world, travelling three times the distance that Marco Polo covered. Mackintosh-Smith set out to write a "trailer" or continuation of the original writings, and this utterly fascinating book covers the first stage in the Moroccan's bizarre and dangerous journey (brigands were only one of the dangers he faced). The destinations include a quaint Islamic Butlin's in the Egyptian desert, the shores of the Cimmerian Bosphoros and some of the most impressive cities of medieval Islam. All the details of his journey are conjured up with maximum vividness, from buffalo milk puddings and fishbone houses to the legendary dancing dervishes. The writing, always spare and elegant, makes this a highly compelling read for either the adventurer or the armchair traveller. --Barry Forshaw
Product Description
Ibn Battutah, the greatest traveller of the pre-mechanical age, set out in 1325 from his native Tangier on the pilgrimage to Mecca. By the time he returned 29 years later, he had visited most of the known world, travelling three times the distance Marco Polo allegedly covered. Spiritual backpacker, tireless social climber, temporary hermit and failed ambassador, he braved brigands, blisters and his own prejudices. This text follows the first stage of the Moroccan's eccentric journey, from Tangier to Constantinople.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
21 of 25 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
A fantastic read, although I have to admit I didn't understand all the vocabulary. It brings the colourful, wide and pluralistic world of medieval Islam to life, replete with amazing characters. I enjoyed it so much that when I finished I went straight back to the beginning. Absolutely wonderful as an introduction to many historical characters (like al-Ma'arri), so I am using it as a starting point to learn more. It beautifully belies the traditional view we have of the medival Islamic arts and culture having been so straight-laced and peopled with paragons.I only wish he would carry on and go all the way to China!
Beautiful travel writing from a master of wry and sympathetic observation. I also heartily recommend 'Travels in Dictionary Land'.
Beautiful travel writing from a master of wry and sympathetic observation. I also heartily recommend 'Travels in Dictionary Land'.
16 of 20 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This is indeed a wonderful book, as others have written. However, I think it weakens towards the end, when the author leaves the Arabic-speaking world and travels to Turkey and the Crimea. Here Tim Mackintosh-Smith, as he himself admits, is on less familiar cultural and linguistic grounds. As a result there are fewer of the conversations, arguments and jokes with local people that give the 'Arabic' section of his travels such a feeling of immediacy and intimacy. I look forward to future travels with a Tangerine, but I also hope that Mackintosh-Smith will give us more about Arabs and their world.
24 of 32 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
An excellent and timely exploration of Islamic culture, heritage and humanity. This is a beautifully written book whose learning and erudition is lightly worn. I found its humorous and loving accounts of people, places and history very reminiscent of Patrick Leigh-Fermor's 'A Time of Gifts' and 'Between the Woods and the Water' - it shared that same wistfulness and yet is an exploration of a vibrant modern world embedded in a deep historical and religious context. A marvellous antidote to all those over-earnest journalistic pieces on Islamic fundamentalism.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Sweet tangerine
Although I haven't had chance to read this book yet, my nephew has it and loves it. He rates it as a superb read. I look forward to having my book back!
Published 1 month ago by Ms. D. M. Neale
Inspiring stuff!
This is a wondrous piece of writing - I would recommend it to anyone who appreciates a well-turned phrase, whether or not you have any prior interest in Islam and its history. Read more
Published 11 months ago by Ruby Larkspur
An immensely engaging book...
Tim Mackintosh-Smith is an Englishman who is also an "Arabist," calling Sanaa, in the Yemen, home for over three decades. Read more
Published 12 months ago by John P. Jones III
Travels with a Tangerine: A Journey in the Footnotes of the Battutah
good book. A bit too heavy on a lot of trivial detail which slows the narrative. But well written and enjoyable
Published 14 months ago by william callan
a very interesting read
I really enjoyed this book. It is well written and full of fascinating encounters with people he meets on the way. Read more
Published 18 months ago by Marc Jackson
Oh No Thanks!
I'm not really a fan of history books. Actually, let me rephrase that - I'm not a fan of history that doesn't interest me. Read more
Published 21 months ago by L. Cully
travels with a tangerine
For a novice considering a writing career, I would urge you not to read this book. Why? Simple, because you will realise how inadequate you are and abandon your hopes. Read more
Published on 11 Feb 2010 by John Jones
travels with a tangerine
got this for a friend to remind him of trips to turkey and he loved it
Published on 5 May 2009 by Mrs. C. E. Hill
Tangerine grated
This book is well-researched and well-written. In many ways, it is a very admirable achievement. What grates slightly is the author's rather pompous, superior and patronising tone... Read more
Published on 3 Mar 2009 by Dave Gilmour's cat
A joy!!
This is without a doubt one of the best books I have ever read. Not just in terms of the fact that its very well written. Read more
Published on 14 April 2008 by Patrick Joseph Kerr
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