Description
Discover the captivating world of Mary Montagu through her insightful correspondence in 'The Turkish Embassy Letters'. This remarkable collection of letters captures Montagu’s extraordinary experiences as she navigated the rich culture of the Ottoman Empire in the early 18th century. With a unique perspective as both a feminist and an aristocrat, Montagu provides a detailed account of her observations on Turkish society, women’s lives, and medical practices of the time, including the fascinating story of inoculation. Her writings not only offer an intimate glimpse into the past but also reflect her spirited intellect and love for knowledge. This book is essential for readers interested in history, travel writing, and cultural studies. Published by Eland Books in 2021, this brand new edition (ISBN: 9781780600390) pays homage to one of the first modern travel writers. Ideal as a gift for lovers of narratives that transcend time, each page of 'The Turkish Embassy Letters' is infused with Montagu’s wit and curiosity, making it a delightful read. Note: Shipping for this item is free. Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. Once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled.
Note: Shipping for this item is free. Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. Once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled.
Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9781780600390
Year: 2021
Publisher: Eland Books
Description:
Mary Montagu was one of the most extraordinary characters in the world. She was a self-educated intellectual, a free spirit, a radical, a feminist but also an entitled aristocrat and a society wit with powerful friends at court.
In 1716 she travelled across Europe to take up residence in Istanbul as the wife of the British ambassador. Her letters remain as fresh as the day they were penned: enchanted by her discoveries of the life of Turkish women behind the veil, by Arabic poetry and by contemporary medical practices - including inoculation. For two years she lovingly observed Ottoman society as a participant, with affection, intelligence and an astonishing lack of prejudice.
She is one of the first modern travel writers and still one of the best, studying and recording a lived culture through its own values and its own language. In her own words, â€No entertainment is so cheap as reading, nor any pleasure more lasting.’
â€â€¦ one of the best narrative travel books ever written by an Englishwoman.’ – Dervla Murphy
â€Her letters have an immediacy and vivacity that remains as fresh as the mosaics on the ancient monuments she saw and the eastern gardens that gave her such delight.’ – Anita Desai
â€â€¦ what fire, what ease, what knowledge of Europe and Asia.’ – Gibbon
Note: Shipping for this item is free. Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. Once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled.
Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9781780600390
Year: 2021
Publisher: Eland Books
Description:
Mary Montagu was one of the most extraordinary characters in the world. She was a self-educated intellectual, a free spirit, a radical, a feminist but also an entitled aristocrat and a society wit with powerful friends at court.
In 1716 she travelled across Europe to take up residence in Istanbul as the wife of the British ambassador. Her letters remain as fresh as the day they were penned: enchanted by her discoveries of the life of Turkish women behind the veil, by Arabic poetry and by contemporary medical practices - including inoculation. For two years she lovingly observed Ottoman society as a participant, with affection, intelligence and an astonishing lack of prejudice.
She is one of the first modern travel writers and still one of the best, studying and recording a lived culture through its own values and its own language. In her own words, â€No entertainment is so cheap as reading, nor any pleasure more lasting.’
â€â€¦ one of the best narrative travel books ever written by an Englishwoman.’ – Dervla Murphy
â€Her letters have an immediacy and vivacity that remains as fresh as the mosaics on the ancient monuments she saw and the eastern gardens that gave her such delight.’ – Anita Desai
â€â€¦ what fire, what ease, what knowledge of Europe and Asia.’ – Gibbon