The Travels of Marco Polo

by Edward W. Marsden

Marco Polo was the most famous traveller of his time. His voyages began in 1271 with a visit to China, after which he served the Kubilai Khan on numerous diplomatic missions. On his return to the West, he was made a prisoner of war and met Rustichello of Pisa, with whom he collaborated on this book. The accounts of his travels provide a fascinating glimpse of the different societies he encountered: their religions, customs, ceremonies and way of life; on the spices and silks of the East; on precious gems, exotic vegetation and wild beasts. He tells the story of the holy shoemaker, the wicked caliph and the three kings, among a great many others, evoking a remote and long-vanished world with colour and immediacy.

Genres: History, Travel

629 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1987

Reviews

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

What was Asia like 700 years ago? “The Travels of Marco Polo” by Marco Polo describes the experiences of Marco Polo in his travels across Asia. The tone of this book is formal, helping the reader focus on the facts. Only the facts are stated when introducing another city. The point of view of this book is third person, helping the reader focus on the experiences. Everyone is referred to by their name or by he or she. The explicit characterization of people is effective. Significant facts are given when a new person is introduced. This is a good book for anyone interested in Marco Polo or Asia in the thirteenth century.

[Ted Meinhardt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting. Really a travel log, with a few side narratives.