130,000+ Books, Games & Puzzles in-stock πŸ‡³πŸ‡Ώ 

Ibn Fadlan and the Land of Darkness

Arab Travellers in the Far North
3.87 goodreads logo

Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.

Check link for latest rating.
( 2,508 ratings, 373 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Ibn Fadlan and the Land of Darkness provides a vivid account of an intriguing journey undertaken in the 10th century. The book follows the travels of Ibn Fadlan, an emissary from the Abbasid Caliphate, as he navigates through the lands near the Volga River. His narrative offers unique insights into the cultures, customs, and peoples he encounters, making it an invaluable historical and cultural document.
Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$2900
Elsewhere:
$3200
OVERNIGHT NZ-WIDE DELIVERY

Found a better price? Request a price match

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're fascinated by historical travelogues and enjoy vivid accounts of distant lands. It offers a unique glimpse into the cultures and societies along the Volga River during the 10th century through the eyes of an engaging and observant traveller.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

Between the ninth and fourteenth centuries, Arab travellers such as Ibn Fadlan journeyed widely and frequently into the far north, crossing territories that now include Russia, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. This title offers an illuminating insight into the world of the Arab geographers, and the medieval lands of the far north.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

A fascinating collection of medieval Arabic travel writing, translated into English by Paul Lunde and Caroline Stone.

In 922 AD, an Arab envoy from Baghdad named Ibn Fadlan encountered a party of Viking traders on the upper reaches of the Volga River. In his subsequent report on his mission, he gave a meticulous and astonishingly objective description of Viking customs, dress, table manners, religion, and sexual practices, as well as the only eyewitness account ever written of a Viking ship cremation.

Between the ninth and fourteenth centuries, Arab travellers such as Ibn Fadlan journeyed widely and frequently into the far north, crossing territories that now include Russia, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan. Their fascinating accounts describe how the numerous tribes and peoples they encountered traded furs, paid tribute, and waged wars. This accessible new translation of Ibn Fadlan and the Land of Darkness offers an illuminating insight into the world of the Arab geographers and the medieval lands of the far north.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Ibn Fadlan and the Land of Darkness is praised as an exceptional and fascinating work, with each page offering intriguing and curious information. The book collectively challenges preconceptions, providing a delightful and intriguing narrative that captivates readers.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780140455076

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 01 December 2011

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Classics

Contributors:

  • Translated by Caroline Stone
  • Translated by Paul Lunde

Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 17.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 197.0mm

Weight: 226g

Pages: 304

About the Author

IBN FADLAN was a tenth-century diplomat who, in 922 AD, was sent on a mission from Baghdad to the far north by the caliph Muqtadir. His subsequent account of his travels and the peoples he encountered is one of the most important documents from the period. PAUL LUNDE studied at London University's School of Oriental and African Studies and specializes in Islamic history and literature. He is the author of Islam: Culture, Faith and History and is working on an internet project to map pre-modern Eurasian cultural and intellectual exchanges. CAROLINE STONE has edited and written numerous books and articles, principally on textile history, medieval history and literature, Islamic culture and literature, and the cultural and economic relations between Europe and the Orient in the pre-modern era. With Paul Stone, she is translating a collection of the writings by the Arab geographer Mas'udi for Penguin Classics.

More from Travel & Adventure

View all
  • On Sale
    19% off
    The Salt Path
    The bestselling true story of the couple who lost everything and embarked on a journey not of escape but salvation, soon to be a major motion picture starring Golden Globe winning Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs. Just days after Raynor learns that Moth, her husband of 32 years, is terminally ill, the couple lose their home and their livelihood. With...
    Paperback
    $2200
    Elsewhere:
    $3000
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Abroad in Japan
    The hilarious number one bestselling memoir from YouTube sensation Chris Broad, a Brit trying to assimilate into life in Japan as he unravels the wonders and eccentricities of one of the world's most mysterious cultures. When Englishman Chris Broad landed in a rural village in northern Japan, he wondered if he'd made a huge mistake. With no knowledge of the...
    Paperback
    $2500
    Elsewhere:
    $3000
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • The Penguin Lessons
    Now a major film, this is the true story of an unlikely friendship between a flightless bird and a teacher out of his depth. When schoolteacher Tom Michell pulls a penguin from an oil slick off the coast of Uruguay, he has no idea what to do. Back at his apartment, Tom cleans him, but upon returning to the beach,...
    Paperback
    $2400
    Elsewhere:
    $3000
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • On Sale
    17% off
    Lonely Planet Pocket Lisbon
    Lonely Planet's Pocket Lisbon is your guide to the city's best experiences and local life - neighbourhood by neighbourhood. Experience the city's most scenic tram routes, find the best pastΓ©is de nata and discover the winding backstreets of Alfama; all with your trusted travel companion. Uncover the best of Lisbon and make the most of your trip! Inside Lonely Planet's...
    Paperback
    $1900
    Elsewhere:
    $2499
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Cozy Bookshops: Colouring Book
    Cozy Bookshopsβ€”your ultimate escape into a world of bookish bliss and mindful relaxation in 46 adorable scenes, from the coziest book nooks. Wander labyrinthine bookshelves, sink into soft armchairs by roaring fireplaces, and lose yourself in snug, atmospheric corners. Escape, relax, and unwind with this colouring book for all skill levels and bring your own personality. The possibilities are endless!...
    Paperback
    $2000
    Elsewhere:
    $2299
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Domesday
    Pre-order
    Domesday
    The Domesday Book describes the furniture of a culture and its economy – the legacy of Anglo-Saxon England. When King William I sent his agents to survey every shire in England, he asked them to list his holdings and calculate what was owed to him. The manuscript record of the resulting β€˜Great Survey’ is not just a tax record, but...
    Hardback
    $5499
    Pre-order
    Out 5 Jan 2027
  • On Sale
    17% off
    Lonely Planet Pocket Porto
    Lonely Planet's Pocket Porto is your guide to the city's best experiences and local life, neighbourhood by neighbourhood. Experience the historic Se cathedral, marvel at the stunning Palacio da Bolsa, and visit peacocks in Jardim do Palacio de Cristal, all with your trusted travel companion. Uncover the best of Porto and make the most of your trip! Inside Lonely Planet's...
    Paperback
    $1900
    Elsewhere:
    $2499
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Auto Biography
    From one of the world's most popular motor journalists, a highly entertaining, clued-up and panoramic guide to cars. A highly entertaining, clued-up and panoramic guide to cars by Mat Watson, the world's most followed car journalist on social media. Mat Watson knows everything there is to know about cars. In his 25-year career as a motor journalist, he has driven...
    Hardback
    $4600
    Elsewhere:
    $6000
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Around the World in 80 Trains
    WINNER OF THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TRAVELLER AWARD FOR BEST TRAVEL BOOK SHORTLISTED FOR THE STANFORD DOLMAN TRAVEL BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARD 'Monisha Rajesh has chosen one of the best ways of seeing the world. Never too fast, never too slow, her journey does what trains do best. Getting to the heart of things. Prepare for a very fine ride'...
    Paperback
    $2799
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Lonely Planet Norway
    Lonely Planet's local travel experts reveal all you need to know to plan the trip of a lifetime to Norway. Discover popular and off the beaten track experiences from watching walruses lolling and hunting in Borebukta to hiking in the remote causeway of EkkerΓΈy in Finnmark, and road tripping along the Lofoten Islands to admire villages replete with traditional fishing...
    Paperback
    $3999
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • On Sale
    17% off
    Lonely Planet Pocket Paris
    Lonely Planet's Pocket Paris is your guide to the city's best experiences and local life - neighbourhood by neighbourhood. Wonder at the city's museums and architecture, stroll through the Pere Lachaise, and dine on rich French cuisine; all with your trusted travel companion. Uncover the best of Paris and make the most of your trip! Inside Lonely Planet's Pocket Paris:...
    Paperback
    $1900
    Elsewhere:
    $2499
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Lonely Planet Thailand
    Lonely Planet's local travel experts reveal all you need to know to plan the trip of a lifetime to Thailand. Discover popular and off-the-beaten-track experiences, from sinking your toes into the soft white sand of Ko Lipe's Sunrise Beach to slurping boat noodles with locals at food stands in Ayuthaya, and spotting wild elephants on a night safari at Khao...
    Paperback
    $4100
    Elsewhere:
    $4499
    In Stock
    Ships today

Why buy from us?

Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!

Service & Delivery

Service & Delivery

Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 100,000 books, toys, board games and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.

Auckland Bookstore

Auckland Bookstore

We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.

Our Gifting Service

Our Gifting Service

Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.