The Pilgrim's Guide to Santiago De Compostela

Rating:
Summary: Revealing, Practical and Poetic
Review: As a collector of guide books about Iberia, I found this volume exceptionally revealing, practical and poetic.

Rating:
Summary: An Excellent Book by an Excellent Scholar
Review: I personally knew Mr. Melczer both as my instructor and later as a friend and I simply cannot say enough about this man. Studying in Spain with Mr. Melczer in 1990 I can say he truly opened my eyes to history, art and culture. I took copious notes, but I realized I could never fully "absorb" the knowledge that this man imparted to his students. He inspired me to enter the field I am in now.
This book is an excellent presentation of one of the most remarkable journeys traversed by so many people throughout history. The research is excellent and the reading is very clear. This book is a must for any person interested in Spanish history

Rating:
Summary: The authentic source for Camino legends
Review: When you are not sure of the details of any particular Camino miracle, you need go no further than William Melczer's guide. The Codex Calixtinus is the source of all those stories you read in the other English language books. Melczner's guide is the first complete English translation of Book Five of the Codex Calixtinus - the original medieval pilgrim's guide.

This is a scholarly, extremely well documented book. The entire book is 345 pages. Of this, the actual translated Codex is 50 pages. The introduction and notes demonstrate a through knowledge the medieval pilgrimages. The book includes a haigographical register and gazetteer as well as bibliograpy and index. I had to go to my unabridged dictionary to find out that haigography is the study of saints. The gazetteer contains a short explanation if each place name. Both the haigraphical index and the gazetteer are quite helpful when doing any Camino reading.

This is not a book I would carry with me, but certainly one that is enjoyed after doing the Camino. For those who have time, it supplements any historical reading one may do before the Camino.


Rating:
Summary: Lucid, Inspiring, Insightful and Profound
Review: Wow! This book is lucid, inspiring, insightful and profound. It really uses the Guide as a window to the medieval mind. Outstandingly scholarly and genuinely readable. A winner!