The Medieval Traveller, Norbert Ohler, translated by Caroline Hillier (The Boydell Press, Woodbridge and New York, 2010, first published in German 1986, English translation 1989, this is a new edition) xv, 296pp., paperback, £19.99, $37.00, ISBN 978 1 84383507 3

This classic study reminds us that where formerly it was believed our medieval ancestors moved little from where they were born, in fact as research has proved they travelled often and far.  This was despite all obstacles - danger from man and beast, uncertainty of lodging and food, even the basic problem of finding the way.  They set out on major journeys with a confidence which suggests the existence of a network of major routes and mini tracks. 

Norbert Ohler allows the travellers to speak for themselves, building up a picture of what travel was really like from many sources and in the context of the historical framework.

Part 1 of the book reviews the background and conditions of travel - the geographical setting and climate, journeys by land, river and sea, the importance of religion, trade and communication, hospitality and inns.  Part 2 provides the descriptions from Boniface in the seventh century to modern times.  Ohler comments further in an afterword, translated by Michael Metzger of over 40 pages.  There are full suggestions for further reading and numerous matt illustrations but no index.  The sources are drawn from many parts of Europe.  It is an intriguing story which will appeal especially to the general reader.