The Lands of the Saracen or, pictures of palestine, asia minor, sicily, and spain
By:Bayard Taylor Published By:Double9 Books
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The Lands of the Saracen or, pictures of palestine, asia minor, sicily, and spain
About the Book
The Lands of the Saracen or, pictures of palestine, asia minor, sicily, and spain by Bayard Taylor is a historical travelogue detailing the author's journey through regions once ruled by the Saracens, including Palestine, Asia Minor, Sicily, and Spain. Through his observations, Taylor introduces local customs, diverse travelers, and contrasts the isolation of quarantine with the vibrant culture that lies beyond. As he ventures through these historically rich regions, Taylor offers vivid descriptions of landscapes, peoples, and historical landmarks, providing insights into the cultural, political, and social complexities of the areas he visits. The book captures the spirit of travel, emphasizing the exploration of history and human interactions. TaylorÍs personal reflections on his experiences enhance the narrative, offering readers a deeper understanding of the places he encounters, as well as the broader historical context of his journey. The travelogue not only documents the authorÍs physical journey but also his intellectual and emotional responses to the cultures and histories he explores.
Bayard Taylor was an American poet, literary critic, translator, travel author, and diplomat. As a poet, he was extremely popular, with an audience of almost 4,000 attending a poetry reading once, setting a record that remained for 85 years. His travelogues were well-received in both the United States and Britain. He held diplomatic appointments in both Russia and Prussia. Taylor was born January 11, 1825, in Kennett Square, Chester County, Pennsylvania. He was the fourth son of Quaker couple Joseph and Rebecca Taylor, and the first to reach maturity. His mother was of half Swiss descent. His father was an affluent farmer. Charles Frederick Taylor, Bayard's younger brother, was a Union Army colonel killed in action during the Battle of Gettysburg in 1863. Bayard obtained his early education at an academy in West Chester, Pennsylvania, and later in nearby Unionville. At seventeen, he was apprenticed to a printer in West Chester. Rufus Wilmot Griswold, a renowned critic and editor, pushed him to produce poems. The resulting anthology, Ximena, or the Battle of the Sierra Morena and Other Poems, was published in 1844 and dedicated to Griswold.