Representations of Islam in Travel Literature in Early Modern England

The paper explores the long-standing stereotypes and prejudices surrounding Islam in Europe, tracing their roots back to the early interactions between Christianity and Islam. It highlights how figures like John of Damascus and Dante perpetuated negative views, depicting Muhammad as an Antichrist and placing him in hell, respectively. The analysis also addresses how these misrepresentations influenced medieval Catholic theology, particularly through Thomas Aquinas, illustrating the deep-seated misconceptions that have persisted over centuries in European thought.