“The Travels of Benjamin of Tudela” by Uri Shulevitz
In the twelfth century, travelers made their way from Europe to
Asia and Africa mostly in a large well-armed caravan. They needed to be protected from road dangers since they were usually traders with merchandise. Those days it was very beneficial to be able to speak many languages to facilitate communication with
different people around the world. Benjamin of Tudela is famous and widely known, since he reported and documented his memories of adventures in writing. Tudela, is located at the Northern part of Spain, from there starts his journey in 1159 till he returned 1173, 14 years later. An illustrated map right at the beginning of the book helps keep track of our hero trail. Through the book the young readers learn about means of transportation at the middleages such as by foot or by wagon on land or by ship at sea, while a camel serves the rider at the desert. From historical point of view Benjamin tells us about towns, and cities he passed, the different religions, major events he saw or heard about. Geography is of course also mentioned, in addition to weather. His descriptions cause us to admire this man who survived healthy the amazing long expedition. The book’s pages are accompanied by Uri Shulevitz nicely drown colorful pictures that help relate to the far away places and understand better what happened.