37 pages • 1 hour read
Jonathan SpenceThe Memory Palace Of Matteo Ricci
Nonfiction | Biography | Adult | Published in 1984A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Memory Palace of Matteo Ricci by Jonathan Spence examines the life of 16th-century Jesuit priest Matteo Ricci, focusing on his mission to introduce Catholic mnemonic techniques to Ming China's scholarly elites. The book is organized around the memory palace method and specific images Ricci used, exploring themes like war, travel, missionary work, wealth, poverty, morality, and Marian imagery.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Jonathan Spence's The Memory Palace of Matteo Ricci is widely praised for its detailed portrayal of Ricci's captivating journey as a Jesuit missionary in China. Reviews highlight Spence's masterful narrative and thorough research. However, some find the intricate details overwhelming. Overall, it is an enriching read for those interested in historical and cultural exchanges.
Who Should Read The Memory Palace Of Matteo Ricci?
A reader who enjoys The Memory Palace of Matteo Ricci by Jonathan Spence would likely have a deep interest in historical narratives, cross-cultural encounters, and intellectual history. Fans of The Journey of Ibn Fattouma by Naguib Mahfouz or Guns, Germs, and Steel by Jared Diamond would find this book compelling.