How does Mandeville attempt to prove his credibility to the audience? Consider stylistic elements such as tone in addition to the work’s content.

Bearing in mind the low rates of literacy in medieval Europe, who would Mandeville’s readers likely have been? How might this shape his focus and presentation?

Consider Mandeville’s critiques of Europe and choose three societies he comes across while traveling. How do his descriptions of these societies respond to flaws he perceives in Europe?