| First Written | 1247 |
| Genre | Travel |
| Origin | Italy |
| Publisher | Branden Publishing |
| My Copy | cheap paperback |
| First Read | April 30, 2012 |
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The Story of the Mongols: Whom We Call the Tartars
Notes
Carpini notes a great story about Prester John defeating Ghengis Khan's Mongols in battle. They built hollow mannequins of copper, lit fires inside, mounted them on horses and had men with bellows behind. When the ranks of copper-men got close enough to the Mongols, the bellows men increased the flames and torched the Mongols. How this could possibly work is beyond me, but that's why I love these histories. They'll believe anything!
Noted on April 30, 2025
This is a newer translation of the Historia Mongalorium, which I noted previously!
Noted on April 30, 2025
A delightful journey; Europe knew that the Mongols were knocking on their doors, but didn't know much else about them. Friar Carpini here was one of the first to get sent on a mission to go visit them and report. Along the way he reports on Prester John (which is why this book came to my attention!).
Noted on April 30, 2025