Crossing the Borders of Modernity: Towards a Context for Al-Gharnati (Leo Africanus)

Abstract

Yuhanna al-Asad al-Gharnati (generally known as Ioannes Leo Africanus) was the author of an autobiographical travel narrative, published in 1550 by Giovanni Battista Ramusio under the title La descrittione dell’Africa. The work gave shape to the European image of Islam and Africa. It was also a source for Jewish historians. The article argues that the attention to the historical context and Hispanic cultural traditions could help to understand various aspects of his life and work —including his relationship to patrons and colleagues—; the reception of his work; his intellectual, literary and philological perspectives; some specific points of his text and, finally, the cultural and literary transmission project.