The realm of Prester John

I love learning new things, and this book proved to be an exceptional chance to expand a bit of knowledge. I had heard of Prester John but I really didn't even know the much of anything. Robert Silverberg (better known for his science fiction writing) takes the reader on a wonderful journey of exploration through the ages and lands where the Prester John myth took residence. How, for instance, could Gengis Khan be mistaken for a benevolent Christian ruler? Silverberg unravels the links that led people from end of the earth to another, looking for him.

From far China to India and finally to Ethiopia, the mystical tale of a Christian King of great wealth and sanctity was hard to kill. Marco Polo looked for Prester John (and believed he show more found him in a distant Mongolian city). The Portuguese, looking for a way to by-pass the Italian stronghold on eastern trade, began their great age of exploration hoping to find and make a treaty with Prester John.

Something I found especially interesting was how so many magical tales and creatures became part of the Prester John mythology when he was reported to be the preeminent Christian ruler, and how the changes in the myths also mark (as Silverberg points out towards the end of the book) the change from the medieval ages to a more modern and scientific time.

The book gives a wonderful overview of the Mongols and the Ethiopians with special attention to customs and history, as well as a nice overview of the Crusades (and the hope Prester John would come to their rescue), plus interesting information on India and St. Thomas.

It's well worth the read for both learning about the legend and the true history surrounding it. I highly recommend it. This was one book that I really didn't want to end. show less