In this article the life, thought and works of the Majorcan writer, philosopher and missionary Ramon Llull (ca. 1232 - 1316) are presented in the context of his time: politics, academia, spirituality and currents of thought. Llull has often been portrayed as an extravagant, eccentric character but here he emerges as a coherent personality whose actions and work were fully integrated into the world in which he was called upon to live.