Description
History of Ethiopia
Book Summary
This monumental work, written at the beginning of the 17th century by the Jesuit missionary Pedro Páez, is much more than a historical account. It is a vivid, first-hand testimony about the Ethiopian Empire, its people, its wars, and its faith. The reader will find a thrilling chronicle that combines the meticulous observation of a cultured traveler with the experience of a key actor at the court of Emperor Susenyos. An invaluable document for understanding the East Africa of that era and the complex interaction between cultures and religions.
What is it about?
Pedro Páez narrates in detail the wars and religious conflicts that marked Ethiopia during his stay. He describes the harsh survival conditions of the missionaries, their relationships with the emperors, and, notably, his deep friendship with Emperor Susenyos, whom he converted to Catholicism. The work offers an inside view of the politics, society, and daily life of the kingdom, from palace intrigues to pitched battles, all from the unique perspective of a foreigner who became an influential figure.
Main themes
- Historical chronicle of the Ethiopian Empire at the beginning of the 17th century.
- Relations between Jesuit missionaries and the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.
- Military and political conflicts in the Horn of Africa.
- First-hand testimony about life at the court of Emperor Susenyos.
- Ethnography, geography, and customs of Ethiopia in the age of great voyages.
Who is it recommended for?
This book is aimed at readers passionate about African history, chronicles of travelers and explorers, and the history of religious missions. It will also be of great interest to those seeking an autobiographical account of an exceptional historical figure, as well as to specialists in the study of the Ethiopian Empire and the relations between Europe and Africa during the Modern Age.
What this book offers
- A detailed primary source on 17th-century Ethiopia, difficult to find in other works.
- The unique perspective of an author who was both a witness and a protagonist of the events he narrates.
- A deep immersion into the political, religious, and social complexity of an African kingdom at a crucial moment in its history.
- An account of adventure and survival in extreme conditions, narrated with rigor and passion.
Technical specifications
- Author: Páez Jaramillo, Pedro
- Publisher: Ediciones del Viento, S.L.
- Language: Spanish
- Subject: AUTOBIOGRAPHY: GENERAL, AUTOBIOGRAPHY: HISTORICAL, POLITICAL AND MILITARY, TRAVEL LITERATURE
- Collection: COMPACTOS VIENTO SIMUN
- Binding: Paperback
- Publication date: February 2014
- Number of pages: 1300
- Weight: 2830 g
Editorial review
This is an edition of great historical and literary value. The length and weight of the work (1300 pages) reflect the ambition and detail of the original manuscript. For the reader interested in the history of Ethiopia or the travel chronicles of the modern period, this book represents a unique opportunity to access a direct, rigorous, and exciting testimony that illuminates a time and place often little known. It is a demanding but immensely rewarding read for the specialized public or the enthusiast with deep curiosity.