In 1253, well before Marco Polo, a Franciscan friar set out on a journey to the court of the Mongol emperor, whose dominion stretched from the Pacific to the Mediterranean. In this reprint of the 1990 annotated translation of Friar William's report, Jackson, (Keale college, Cambridge) and Morgan provide an historical background to the trip, including the crusades of King Louis IX and the rise of the Mongols. Each chapter is footnoted with explanations. William did not always understand everything he saw and the notes clarify his misapprehensions. The translation is lively so that the devout, if sometimes obtuse, personality of the friar comes through. This would be perfect for classroom use as well as of interest to the general reader. Annotation ©2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)