Wilhelm von Boldensele (ca. 1285-1338/39, fl. 1332-1336)

by Zhao Luyang 赵鲁阳 (See Chinese translation)

Wilhelm von Boldensele was also called Otto de Nyenhusen, Neuenhausen, Nygenhus, Dominikaner OP, and other alternative names.

His first book, Itinerarius, was written during his pilgrimage to the Holy Land around 1332 to 1336. After he arrived in Avignon, Cardinal Elia Talleyrand of Perigord encouraged him to summarise his observations into a book. Boldensele’s book proved to be a huge success not only because of his detailed description of the scenery along the pilgrimage, but also because of his passion for the Crusades. His work inspired a large number of believers to participate in the Crusades and organise further rounds of crusades. Moreover, Boldensele did not repeat the mundane accounts of the pilgrimage to Palestine and the cities recorded in the Bible, of which others had written so extensively, but instead recorded his explorations of other places in the Levant. His style is succinct and subdued but his faith and fervour are clear.

Another of his well-written travelogues, Liber de quibusdam ultra marinis partibus et praecipue de Terra Sancta, was completed in 1337 under the encouragement of Talleyrand Elias when Boldensele was back in Avignon. As its title signifies – it might be translated as “About the countries overseas and especially about the Holy Land” – the book mainly depicts the destinations associated with the Bible which he visited during his travels to Egypt and the Holy Land from 1332. It also vividly reveals the lively lifestyle, impressive buildings and monuments, history and social conditions of the cities, as well as the political conflicts taking place at that time.

Boldensele’s writing style was heavily influenced by travel literature of the time, particularly by others who described their travels to the Holy Land. A total of 27 manuscripts of his works are currently known to exist, produced from the 14th to the 15th centuries.

The travelogue, Liber de quibusdam ultra marinis partibus et praecipue de Terra Sancta, was translated into French in 1351, and was very popular. It was then translated into German, specifically into Ripuarian, which was a dialect spoken in West Central Germany at the end of the 14th century. Boldensele’s work inspired his companion Ludolf von Suchem because of the accurate and comprehensive descriptions of the places they had visited. Suchem wrote his travelogue in 1350 and frequently referred to Boldensele and their travels.