Early voyages and travels in the Levant : $b I.—The diary of Master Thomas Dallam, 1599-1600. II.—Extracts from the diaries of Dr. John Covel, 1670-1679. With some account of the Levant Company of Turkey merchants.
Written by John Covel,Thomas Dallam
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Reading guide
Themes, characters and key ideas in Early voyages and travels in the Levant : $b I.—The diary of Master Thomas Dallam, 1599-1600. II.—Extracts from the diaries of Dr. John Covel, 1670-1679. With some account of the Levant Company of Turkey merchants., written by Chaptra AI.
- about 10 hours
- intermediate
- adventurous
- historical
- observational
This work compiles the historical accounts of two English travelers, Master Thomas Dallam and Dr. John Covel, detailing their voyages and experiences in the Levant during the late 16th and late 17th centuries, respectively. Primarily, it chronicles Dallam's perilous journey from England to Constantinople (1599-1600) to present a magnificent organ from Queen Elizabeth I to Sultan Mahomed III, offering a vivid first-person perspective on maritime challenges, diplomatic intricacies, and cultural encounters. The collection also sheds light on the crucial role of the Levant Company in fostering British trade and political influence in the Ottoman Empire. Together, these diaries provide invaluable primary source material for understanding early modern Anglo-Ottoman relations, the practicalities of long-distance travel, and the economic drivers of European expansion.
“The perils of the sea are manifold, yet the Queen's service calls one to endure all manner of discomfort and danger.”
Key themes
- Cross-Cultural Encounter and Diplomacy
- The core of Dallam's narrative revolves around the intricate process of engaging with a vastly different culture and political system. The book details the challenges of communication, understanding foreign customs, and navigating the protocols of the Ottoman court, all in the service of fostering diplomatic and commercial ties between England and the Ottoman Empire. The organ itself is a symbol of this diplomatic effort, a 'soft power' tool.
- The Perils and Realities of Early Modern Travel
- Both Dallam's and Covel's diaries vividly portray the immense difficulties and dangers inherent in long-distance travel during the 16th and 17th centuries. From treacherous sea voyages fraught with storms and the constant threat of piracy to the logistical nightmares of transporting goods and navigating unfamiliar territories, the accounts underscore the bravery and resilience required of such voyagers.
- Commercial and Political Expansion
- The book explicitly highlights the role of the Levant Company in facilitating British trade with the Ottoman Empire and, by extension, advancing England's economic and political influence abroad. Dallam's mission, though artistic, is ultimately a commercial and diplomatic endeavor aimed at securing favorable trade conditions. Covel's later observations confirm the continued importance of this mercantile enterprise.
Worth discussing
How do Dallam's and Covel's diaries reflect the evolving relationship between England and the Ottoman Empire over the course of a century?
Chapter-by-chapter breakdowns, character arcs and the full thematic analysis come with a free account.
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