Ewan McGregor directs and stars in this drama based on the novel by Philip Roth. The film charts the life of Jewish American businessman, and former standout athlete, Seymour 'Swede' Levov (McGregor) whose life begins to unravel during the social and political upheaval of the 1960s. Born and raised in Weequahic, the Jewish neighbourhood of Newark, New Jersey, Swede achieved celebrity status in his local community due to his sports star status, his marriage to former Miss New Jersey, Dawn (Jennifer Connelly), and his place in charge of his father's glove factory. But his perfect upper-class American life comes crashing down when the tensions of the decade tear his country and community apart and his daughter Merry (Dakota Fanning) becomes a radical political activist, with devastating consequences.

It is widely believed that people living in the Middle Ages seldom traveled. But, as Medieval Travel and Travelers reveals, many medieval people - and not only Marco Polo - were on the move for a variety of different reasons. Assuming no previous knowledge of medieval civilizations, this volume allows readers to experience the excitement of men and women who ventured into new lands. By addressing cross-cultural interaction, religion, and travel literature, the collection sheds light on how travel shaped the way we perceive the world, while also connecting history to the contemporary era of globalization. Including a mix of complete sources, excerpts, and images, Medieval Travel and Travelers provides readers with opportunities for further reflection on what medieval people expected to find in foreign locales, while sparking curiosity about undiscovered spaces and cultures.

It is widely believed that people living in the Middle Ages seldom traveled. But, as Medieval Travel and Travelers reveals, many medieval people - and not only Marco Polo - were on the move for a variety of different reasons. Assuming no previous knowledge of medieval civilizations, this volume allows readers to experience the excitement of men and women who ventured into new lands. By addressing cross-cultural interaction, religion, and travel literature, the collection sheds light on how travel shaped the way we perceive the world, while also connecting history to the contemporary era of globalization. Including a mix of complete sources, excerpts, and images, Medieval Travel and Travelers provides readers with opportunities for further reflection on what medieval people expected to find in foreign locales, while sparking curiosity about undiscovered spaces and cultures.