The book, titled “Marco Polo: The Man Behind the Myth,” delves into the life and times of the famous Venetian merchant and traveler, challenging the traditional narrative of his life and legacy.
The Life 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. This exposure to the world beyond Venice sparked Marco’s curiosity and fueled his desire to explore. Key events in Marco Polo’s life: + Born in 1254 in Venice + Traveled with his father and uncle to China and other parts of Asia + Spent 17 years in the court of Kublai Khan + Returned to Venice in 1295
The Traditional Narrative
The traditional narrative of Marco Polo’s life has been shaped by his book, “Il Milione” (The Travels of Marco Polo), which was written in the late 13th century. However, this book has been subject to various interpretations and embellishments over the years.
The Description of the World by Marco Polo
The Description of the World by Marco Polo is a seminal work of medieval literature that has captivated readers for centuries. Written in the 13th century, this travelogue chronicles the journeys of Marco Polo, a Venetian merchant, as he explores the vast expanse of Asia. The book is a testament to Polo’s boundless curiosity and his desire to share the wonders of the East with the Western world.
A Window into the Eastern Hemisphere
Sharon Kinoshita, a renowned scholar of medieval French literature, has challenged the traditional narrative surrounding The Description of the World.
He was not trying to describe the world as understood by Europeans.
The Mongol Perspective
The Mongols were a nomadic people who roamed the vast steppes of Asia. They were skilled horsemen and archers, and their society was built around the concept of the “khan,” or leader. The Mongols were known for their military prowess and their ability to unite disparate tribes under a single ruler.
The city is the axis around which the world turns, and the Khan is the axis around which the world revolves.
The New Center of Gravity
In Kinoshita’s re-imagining, the world is no longer centered on Italy or medieval Europe, but rather on the vast and cosmopolitan city of Khanbaliq. This shift in perspective is a deliberate choice, one that reflects the true nature of the Mongol Empire’s global reach and influence. By placing the center of gravity in Khanbaliq, Kinoshita underscores the significance of this city as a hub of trade, culture, and politics. Key features of Khanbaliq include: + A cosmopolitan population of merchants, scholars, and officials from all corners of the known world + A vibrant market economy, with exotic goods and luxury items from every region + A rich cultural heritage, with influences from Buddhism, Islam, and Christianity + A complex system of governance, with the Khan at the apex and a network of officials and administrators below
The Khan’s World
Qubilai Khan’s world is one of vastness and complexity, with multiple centers of power and influence.
The chapter is a masterclass in evoking the sights, smells, and textures of the past.
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 us to a different time and place. By incorporating sensory details, Kinoshita creates a rich and immersive experience for her readers.
The Power of Sensory Details
The Medieval World of Merchants
The material culture chapter, “Animal, Vegetable, Mineral: Merchants and their World,” is a standout in the book. This chapter delves into the world of medieval merchants, exploring the sights, smells, and textures of their daily lives. We’re drawn into a world of luxury, where beauty, perfume, and even taste are a part of everyday life.
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 local communities. The Silk Road, a network of trade routes that connected Europe and Asia, was at its peak, facilitating the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures. Key features of the late thirteenth century: + The Black Death had a profound impact on European society, leading to increased social mobility and changes in the feudal system. + The rise of trade and commerce created new opportunities for people to travel and explore the world. + The Silk Road was at its peak, facilitating the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures.
Polo’s Journey
Marco Polo’s journey to China was a remarkable feat of endurance and determination.
MARCO POLO AND HIS WORLD By Sharon Kinoshita Reaktion Books, 208 pages, $25