A 14th-century knight embarks on a sprawling pilgrimage to the Holy Land and beyond, documenting the wonders and perils of the known and unknown world. Driven by a desire to record the geography of the East, the narrator traverses territories ranging from the Mediterranean to the mythical lands of Prester John. He faces the constraints of medieval travel, relying on hearsay, classical texts, and personal observation to navigate a world defined by religious fervor and geographical uncertainty. The narrative framework is presented as a first-person travelogue, blending factual accounts with fantastical descriptions of exotic creatures and distant civilizations.

Readers and scholars frequently analyze this work as a complex blend of genuine travel experience and imaginative fiction. Discussion often centers on the author's intent, questioning whether the text was meant as a practical guide or a moralizing entertainment for a medieval audience. Critics highlight the text's influence on later explorers and its role in shaping European perceptions of the East during the Middle Ages. The pacing is episodic, reflecting the nature of a long-distance pilgrimage, and the atmosphere is characterized by a sense of wonder that permeates the descriptions of distant lands. Many readers find the juxtaposition of religious devotion and fantastical lore to be the most compelling aspect of the narrative.