GradStudReview: Abu-Lughod's "Before European Hegemony"

5 minute book review of "Before European Hegemony." Citation: Abu-Lughod, Janet L. Before European Hegemony: The World System A.D. 1250-1350. New York: Oxford University Press, 1989.
(Recorded with screencast-o-ma...)

[@deborahamaral4849]

I read this book, which I borrowed from my University Library, last summer, and found it to be a very welcome step outside of the Eurocentric world view. It interpreted what was happening in Europe in ways that were meaningful, especially explaining the rivalry between Genoa and Venice and how they came to be so active in ports in the Black Sea. Her work to map out how the trade routes came and went over time, depending so much on the "politics" of the Church and Islam, was enlightening for me. I appreciated her explanation of the cycles of the wind with the monsoon in the Indian Ocean and enjoyed understanding how the trip by sea would still take two years, keeping overland routes competitive. She tells it like it was with her characterization of the Portuguese, who came in with an entirely different purpose and set of cultural values, and I needed to read this as a descendant of Brazilians. But, my true fascination is with Central Asia, and what was going on in the interior, where so little has been documented in a manner that has been available to Europeans. She pierces beyond that veil, with her access to Eastern records. It surprised and delighted me to see a video like this one being offered. I love Screencast-o-Matic!

[@andrewlim9345]

Will read Abu Lughod’s book over the summer holidays.

[@E5000E]

thank you! this really helps me understand the main point better :)

[@leiferb]

👍🏼