MARCO POLO

Readable, enjoyable and informative account of Marco Polo's travels from Venice to the court of Kublai Khan. Really enjoyed reading this.

This book is a travel log of a historic character, namely Marco Polo. Interestingly, one of the first things that strikes the reader is the straight up fact that Marco was NOT the trailblazer we think he was. It was his father, and uncle, who first reached the Chinese court and transacted with Kublai Khan. The book takes the reader all over the place....literally. Observations about everything......food, clothing, terrain, the people and their customs, sexual mores, the politics, the industries, the business practices, the wars. It makes one appreciate why the east was much farther advanced politically and financially as regards Europe at that time. Plus, the book allows the reader to appreciate Marco's post travel life as a naval commander for Venice (vs. Genoa), the circumstances surrounding the creation of the log's text and the later numerous historical, and legal, battles surrounding its publication and dissemination. The author is an easy read........smooth flowing text, well paced. There are many short, brief but distinct, sections so as to allow a reader to have a very languid, relaxed pace as he goes deeper into the book.

Excelente livro, valeu a pena. E as ilustrações são um bônus que não esperava.

ok

Still reading the book, about 3/4 through, but enjoying it.