Traveling Man: Ibn Battuta

Mr. Rumford talked with seventh graders about his book Traveling Man: The Journey of Ibn Battuta, 1325-1354, published Houghton Mifflin. Ibn Battuta was a 14th century explorer during a time when the world was generally believed to be flat. Born in Morocco and raised as a scholar, Ibn Battuta began his nomadic lifestyle at the age of twenty-one. Beginning in Tangier, he traveled to Morocco, China, Russia, Tanzania, and many other places on a trip that took more than thirty years and totaled 75,000 miles. Mr. Rumford retold Ibn Battuta’s story in words, pictures and ancient Arab maps. The book is based on Battuta’s actual reports to a Moroccan court secretary and Mr. Rumford’s research about the languages, maps and the manner of travel during the era. Mr. Rumford also shared anecdotes on his first experiences writing and illustrating books for young people. close