The book, titled “Marco Polo: The Man Behind the Myth,” delves into the life and times of the famous Venetian merchant, challenging the traditional narrative of his travels.

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 minor nobility, and his father, Niccolò, was a merchant who had traveled extensively throughout Asia. This exposure to the East had a profound impact on Marco, shaping his worldview and fueling his desire to explore the unknown.

Early Life and Education

The Journey to Asia

The journey to Asia was a long and arduous one, taking several years to complete. The Polos traveled along the Silk Road, a network of trade routes that connected Europe and Asia. Along the way, they encountered various cultures and peoples, including the Mongols, who would later play a significant role in Marco’s life.

The Mongol Empire

The Court of Kublai Khan

After many years of travel, the Polos arrived at the court of Kublai Khan, the Mongol emperor of China.

Blending genres and exploring cultural exchange in medieval French literature.

The Description: A Window into Medieval French Literature

The Description, a medieval French poem, is a rich and complex work that has been the subject of much scholarly debate. Written in the 13th century, it is a poem that defies easy categorization, blending elements of romance, history, and mythology. As a scholar of medieval French literature, Sharon Kinoshita has dedicated her research to uncovering the hidden meanings and themes within this enigmatic work.

The Eastern Hemisphere of the Late 13th Century

Kinoshita’s research focuses on the eastern hemisphere of the late 13th century, a region that was characterized by a complex web of cultural and political relationships between Europe and Asia.

He was trying to convey the vastness of the Mongol Empire, its military prowess, and the cultural practices of its people.

The Mongol Empire: A Window into the Past

The Mongol Empire, under the leadership of Genghis Khan, was a vast and powerful state that stretched from China to Eastern Europe. Its military campaigns were legendary, and its cultural practices were shaped by the nomadic lifestyle of its people.

The Mongol Way of Life

The Mongols were a nomadic people, living in the steppes of Central Asia. They were skilled horsemen and archers, and their way of life was centered around the horse. The horse was not just a mode of transportation, but also a source of food, clothing, and shelter.

The Mongols’ vast empire stretched from the Pacific to the Caspian Sea, encompassing China, Central Asia, and Eastern Europe. This vast expanse of territory and diverse cultures offered Polo a unique chance to explore and learn about the world beyond his own time and place.

The Mongol Empire: A World of Endless Possibilities

The Mongol Empire, under the leadership of Genghis Khan and his successors, was a vast and powerful state that stretched from the Pacific to the Caspian Sea. At its peak, the empire covered an area of over 24 million square kilometers, making it the largest contiguous empire in history. The Mongols were skilled warriors, administrators, and traders, and their empire was characterized by a complex system of governance, economy, and culture.

The Khan’s Vision

Qubilai Khan, the founder of the Yuan dynasty, was a visionary leader who sought to create a unified and prosperous empire.

The chapter is a masterclass in sensory storytelling, weaving together the sights, smells, and tastes of the marketplaces and the lives of the merchants who inhabited them.

The Art of Sensory Storytelling

Kinoshita’s approach to storytelling is rooted in her fascination with the senses.

The Wonders of the Late Thirteenth Century

The late thirteenth century was a time of great change and transformation in Europe. The Black Death had ravaged the continent, leading to significant social, economic, and cultural shifts. The rise of trade and commerce had created new opportunities for people to travel and explore the world beyond their borders. The Silk Road, a network of ancient trade routes, had been revived, and merchants and travelers were flocking to the East to seek their fortunes. Key features of the late thirteenth century: + The Black Death had a profound impact on European society + The rise of trade and commerce led to increased travel and exploration + The Silk Road was revived, connecting Europe to the East

Polo’s Journey

Marco Polo’s journey to China was a remarkable feat of endurance and determination. He traveled with his father Niccolò and uncle Maffeo, and later with Rustichello, who wrote down his stories. Polo’s journey took him across the vast expanse of Asia, from the Mediterranean to the Pacific, and he encountered many incredible sights and experiences along the way. Highlights of Polo’s journey: + Traveled with his father and uncle to the East + Encountered various cultures and peoples + Saw incredible sights, such as the Great Wall of China and the temples of Angkor Wat

Rustichello’s Account

Rustichello, a writer and poet, was tasked with recording Polo’s stories. He drew heavily from Polo’s experiences, but also added his own flair and imagination.

MARCO POLO AND HIS WORLD By Sharon Kinoshita Reaktion Books, 208 pages, $25