The book, titled “Marco Polo and the Making of the Modern World,” delves into the life and times of the famous Venetian merchant and explorer, shedding new light on his journeys and the impact of his travels on the world.

The Life and Times of Marco Polo

Marco Polo was born in 1254 in the Republic of Venice, a city-state that dominated the Mediterranean trade. His father, Niccolò, was a merchant who had traveled extensively throughout Asia, and his uncle, Maffeo, had also ventured into the East.

The Description is a 15th-century manuscript that contains a description of the “eastern” or “oriental” world, but in reality, it is a map of the Mediterranean region. This map was not created by a single author, but rather a collection of geographical knowledge and information gathered from various sources. Sharon Kinoshita argues that The Description is not a geographical map, but a cultural text that reflects the perceptions and biases of the people who created it. By analyzing the map’s language, symbols, and illustrations, Kinoshita demonstrates that The Description is not a neutral or objective representation of the world, but rather a subjective and culturally embedded text that reveals the values and attitudes of the medieval Europeans who created it. Kinoshita also challenges the idea that The Description is a historical document, but rather a literary and artistic creation that was meant to inspire and educate the medieval audience. Through her analysis, Kinoshita reveals that The Description is a complex and multifaceted text that resists easy interpretation and challenges traditional notions of medieval geography and culture.

Mongols lived in a harsh, nomadic world of constant movement and adaptation.

The Mongols were a nomadic people, living in the steppes of Asia. Theirs was a world of vast expanses of open grasslands, where the sun beat down relentlessly, and the air was filled with the sounds of horses’ hooves and the cries of birds.

The Mongol Perspective

The Mongols were a people deeply rooted in their nomadic lifestyle. Theirs was a world of constant movement, where the seasons dictated the direction of their journeys. The Mongols were skilled horsemen, able to traverse vast distances with ease. They were also skilled warriors, feared by their enemies for their lightning-fast raids and their ability to adapt to any environment. Key characteristics of the Mongol lifestyle: + Nomadic lifestyle + Constant movement with the seasons + Skilled horsemen + Skilled warriors + Adaptability to any environment

The World of the Mongols

The Mongols lived in a world of vast expanses of open grasslands, where the sun beat down relentlessly. The air was filled with the sounds of horses’ hooves and the cries of birds. The landscape was dotted with rocky outcroppings and sparse vegetation.

Marco Polo’s journey was not just about reaching the East, but about reaching the center of the Mongol Empire.

The New Center of Gravity

Marco Polo’s travels took him to the farthest reaches of the known world, but his journey was not just about reaching the East. It was about reaching the center of the Mongol Empire, Khanbaliq (modern day Beijing). This new center of gravity marked a significant shift in the way Polo thought about the world and his place in it. The Mongol Empire was a vast and powerful state that stretched from China to Eastern Europe. Its capital, Khanbaliq, was a cosmopolitan city that attracted merchants, diplomats, and travelers from all over the world. The city was a hub of trade, culture, and learning, and Polo was drawn to its vibrant energy.

The Impact of the Mongol Empire on Polo’s World

The Mongol Empire had a profound impact on Polo’s world, both personally and intellectually. His experiences in the empire shaped his views on politics, trade, and culture, and influenced his writing. Polo was fascinated by the Mongols’ military organization and their use of diplomacy to expand their empire. He was also impressed by the Mongols’ tolerance of different cultures and their willingness to adopt new ideas.

The chapter is full of vivid descriptions of the material culture of the time, from the intricate designs on medieval manuscripts to the ornate furnishings of the wealthy elite.

The Art of Observation

Kinoshita’s meticulous attention to detail is evident in her choice of objects to illustrate her themes. She picks places, things, and people to bring her ideas to life. This approach allows readers to experience the world through her eyes, fostering a deeper understanding of the medieval period. The material culture chapter, “Animal, Vegetable, Mineral: Merchants and their World,” is a standout example of Kinoshita’s attention to detail. The chapter delves into the sensory world of luxury, exploring the beauty, perfume, and taste of the time. The chapter is replete with vivid descriptions of the material culture of the medieval period, from the intricate designs on medieval manuscripts to the ornate furnishings of the wealthy elite. Kinoshita’s use of sensory details creates a rich and immersive experience for the reader, drawing them into the world of the medieval period.

The Power of Description

Kinoshita’s descriptions are not just mere observations; they are a powerful tool for storytelling. By using sensory details, she creates a vivid and immersive experience for the reader, drawing them into the world of the medieval period. The use of sensory details allows readers to experience the world through Kinoshita’s eyes, fostering a deeper understanding of the medieval period.