The Medieval Expansion of Europe

Between 1000 and 1500, a remarkable series of events unfolded as the Vikings discovered North America, the Crusaders took Syria and Palestine, Marco Polo and John of Monte Corvino travelled to China and lured by gold, Jaime Ferrer set off for West Africa. This is a book about medieval Europe's encounter with the wider world. In this detailed and exciting survey, J.R.S. Phillips describes the actual journeys, explores the many myths and legends, and sets the stage for the even greater exploits of Christopher Columbus, Vasco da Gama and their successors. For this Clarendon Paperback edition, Professor Phillips has added a new introduction and a bibliographical essay, surveying recent work in what is becoming a thriving area of new research.