Book description
Marco Polo's journey from Venice, through Europe and most of Asia, to
the court of Kublai Khan in China is one of the most audacious in
history. His account of his experiences, known simply as The
Travels, uncovered an entirely new world of emperors and
concubines, great buildings - 'stately pleasure domes' in Coleridge's
dreaming - huge armies and imperial riches. His book shaped the West's
understanding of China for hundreds of years.
John Man travelled in Marco's footsteps to Xanadu, in search of the
truth behind Marco's stories; to separate legend from fact. Drawing on
his own journey, archaeology and archival study, John Man paints a
vivid picture of the man behind the myth and the true story of the
great court of Kublai Khan.
John Man
is a historian and travel writer with a special interest in China and
Mongolia. His books have been published in over twenty languages. In
2007 he was awarded Mongolia's prestigious Friendship Medal for his
contribution of UK-Mongol relations.
