Sandra Markle

This book entices me to learn more about Marco Polo, and the Silk Road. A few years ago, I found a book written by an author who took a nasty trip into the world of pure herion, found along the Silk Road. It was a pretty scary book.

As the title notes, this is an informative book regarding Marco Polo and focuses on the places found and the animals and varied climates.

In 1271, Marco Polo took an amazing trip and traveled the Silk Road by horseback acompanyied by his father and uncle. The were traders of silk, and decided to learn more about the location where the goods were found. Leaving Italy and arriving in Cathay, modern-day China, and then deciding to travel beyond for information about the silk clothe business, and also their goal was to meet the great emperor of China, Kublai Khan.

As the description in the jacket cover notes, traveling through Eastern Europe, the Middle East, across Mt. Ararat, and into the Far East, the great explorer was amazed not only by the people he met, but also by the animals found along the way.

Great Asian Elephants and Persion lions were but a few they encountered. This lush book of illustrations is simply indescribable. And, filled with facts that were unknown to me, I read the book, and then immediately re-read it again. I did not know that to make silk, a specific moth caterpillar's cacoon is dipped into boiling water and then the threads are unwound. As the author notes, it takes 2,500 to 3,000 cacoons to net one yard of silk cloth.

When awar occurred, their orginal route was blocked and the new route took them to Uzbekistan. Meeting Kublai Khan was an incredible experience. And, there were dangers along the way when they were attacked in the strong dessert winds. Some of their party wre killed and goods were stolen, but fortunately, most escaped.

There were unique snow cats, oxen, giant colorful birds, Yaks, and sheep with horns and if uncurled would be 5 feet long.
When he returned, his world was forever expanded. As the book notes, upon return a battle between Venice and Genoa, Italy brough capture for them. While a captive, he and his men told the stories of where they were and what they found.

The is a stunning book, not only for the information enclosed, but also for the trials and travails found along the way.

Highly Recommended!!!… (more)