Description
Book SynopsisThe critical and biographical introduction tells of Lady Wortley Montagu's travels through Europe to Turkey in 1716, where her husband had been appointed Ambassador. Her lively letters offer insights into the paradoxical freedoms conferred on Muslim women by the veil, the value of experimental work by Turkish doctors on inoculation, and the beauty of Arab poetry and culture. The ability to study another culture according to its own values and to see herself through the eyes of others makes Lady Mary one of the most fascinating of early travel writers and commentators
Trade ReviewHer 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
One of the best narrative travel books ever written by an Englishwoman -- Dervla Murphy
A
timely and compelling reminder of the reasons why we should pay attention to the writing of this
remarkable woman. They have produced what will no doubt be the definitive teaching edition for years to come -- Suvir Paul, University of Pennsylvania
What a treat to see this indispensable and versatile text again available . . . Her idiosyncratic, open-minded, proto-feminist responses to Islamic civilisation are more fascinating today than ever, and the context that the editors supply for them is simply the best yet -- Isobel Grundy, University of Alberta
Her letters have an immediacy and vivacity that remains as fresh as the mosiacs on the ancient monuments she saw and the eastern gardens that gave her such delight. * Anita Desai *
