The book, titled “Marco Polo: The Man Who Traveled the 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 in northern Italy. His family was of noble birth, and his father, Niccolò, was a successful merchant who had traveled extensively throughout Asia.

This approach enables her to challenge dominant narratives in medieval French literature and highlight the importance of the eastern European and Asian influences on French culture. By utilizing the Description of the world to challenge myth and explore the complex dynamics of cultural exchange and identity, Sharon Kinoshita challenges the prevailing views of medieval French literature. The medieval period was a time of significant cultural exchange and interaction between Europe and the eastern hemisphere, which had a profound impact on the development of medieval French literature. The Description of the world, a work attributed to the author Guillaume de Machaut, provides a unique lens through which to examine the cultural exchange and influences that shaped medieval French literature. Through the analysis of The Description, Sharon Kinoshita reveals the complexities of cultural identity and the interconnectedness of the eastern hemisphere during the late 13th century. This approach enables her to challenge the dominant narratives of medieval French literature, which often emphasize the cultural homogeneity of the period.

He was attempting to describe the world as understood by the Mongols, not as encountered by a foreignoer.

The Mongol Perspective

The Mongols were a nomadic people who roamed the vast steppes of Central Asia. Theirs was a world of endless plains, where the sun beat down relentlessly and the air was crisp and clean. They were a people of action, always on the move, with a deep connection to the land and the animals that inhabited it. The Mongols were skilled horsemen, able to ride for hours on end without rest, and their horses were bred for endurance and strength. The Mongols were a highly organized and disciplined society, with a strict code of conduct that governed every aspect of their lives. They were a people of great warriors, feared by their enemies and respected by their allies.

The city is the hub of a vast network of trade routes, a cosmopolitan center of learning and culture, and a symbol of the Mongol Empire’s power and influence.

The City of Khanbaliq

Khanbaliq, the capital of the Mongol Yuan dynasty, is a city of contrasts. On one hand, it is a place of great beauty and refinement, with elegant architecture, vibrant markets, and a rich cultural heritage.

The chapter is a masterclass in sensory storytelling, weaving together the intricate details of everyday life in 14th-century England.

The Art of Sensory Storytelling

Kinoshita’s approach to storytelling is rooted in the concept of sensory experience. She believes that the most powerful stories are those that engage multiple senses, transporting readers to a specific time and place. By incorporating sensory details, Kinoshita creates a rich and immersive experience that draws readers in and refuses to let go. The use of sensory language is a hallmark of Kinoshita’s writing style. She employs vivid descriptions of sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures to bring her stories to life. In the material culture chapter, Kinoshita masterfully weaves together sensory details to create a vivid portrait of medieval England. From the scent of perfume to the taste of food, every detail is carefully considered to transport the reader to the 14th century.*

The Medieval Sensory World

The material culture chapter is a standout in Kinoshita’s work, offering a unique glimpse into the sensory world of medieval England. By exploring the everyday lives of merchants and artisans, Kinoshita reveals the intricate details of a bygone era. The chapter is filled with sensory details that transport the reader to the 14th century. From the sound of hammering on metal to the smell of freshly baked bread, every detail is carefully considered to create a rich and immersive experience.