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dutchlee's review
3.0
I really enjoyed Marco Polo. There isnt much in terms of plot but thats understandable since its meant to be a non-fiction book about the east. Some parts were quite repetitive as he goes through city by city and says how good the city was economically. This was more in the beginning and he soon got to more interesting parts where he tells stories of the cultures. I enjoyed reading about 13th century Asia. It's simply fascinating to get a picture of what life was like (although the prologue warns that some may be fictional).
I'm not sure if I would read this book again though.
I'm not sure if I would read this book again though.
leelulah's review
3.0
I have no idea why I had rated this one so low when I first marked it as read here, and I deeply regret it. The prologue is a small account of what will be seen next. Prisoner to the Genovese, Venetian traveler Marco Polo tells his adventures to someone who can write them for him. This book, with reason, inspired others such as Christopher Columbus and sparked controversy, some people doubted of its veracity.
His account of the Middle East is especially interesting, he describes plants, animals, customs and when he gets to the presence of Christians, there are very interesting episodes, here's a sample:
-Iran for he brings to the table an ancient tradition concerning the Magi, in which they alternatively saw the Child Jesus as of their own age, but only could see Him as a baby when they all entered together. At the same time, His receiving of the three gifts, revealed to them his Godly, Kingly and Healer nature.
They were given a talisman whose meaning they couldn't decipher, so they threw it to a well and from there, a never ending, sacred fire, was always employed for ritual purposes by the adorators of the fire who carried this tradition until today (Book 1, chapters 13 and 14) .
-Samarcan, a miracle involving persecuted Christians resisting to the Great Khan's nephew desire to give back the first stone of the temple of St. John the Baptist to the Muslims where a column remains suspended in the air as if the stone had never been taken. (Book 1, chapter 34)
-The tomb of St. Thomas, Apostle, in India, according to Marco Polo, venerated by both Christians and Muslims, who take him as someone of his own religion. Miraculous and medicinal effects are attributed to the ground. St. Thomas is reported to have appeared to cease the oppresion of a landlord. Also, to have died at the hands of a hunter.
Though the style can get a bit repetitive in short city descriptions, the featuring of astrology, magic, the story of Genghis Khan whose military fate is predicted in a quasi Biblical manner, and his descendants, along with the religion and customs of this kingdom make up for it.
Clearly, the monasticism of some Hindu sects fascinated them as much as the riches they sought to found. They also believe that by drinking mercury, such groups reach eternal life.
Also, here you'll find the legend of Siddharta Gautama, as well. Muslims are inclined to believe the tomb is that of Adam, and Marco Polo does not confirm either version, especially backed on Scripture
If you read this book, you'd think most of the Khan necessarily had friendly relationships with Christians and this is where narrative gets hardly believable.
Many of the peoples subjugated to the Khan practiced various kinds of idolatry, polygamy, cannibalism there was an emperor cult, just like in Rome, and there were other practices (such as the mandatory loss of virginity for women before marrying in Tibet, which soon turned into prostitution, of course) that the expansion of Christianity would've questioned and banned. The most I could find was that the Khan at Marco Polo's time banned circumcission among Muslims.
On the other hand, the story of Lop and the travelers getting lost in the desert by voices of the spirits that might lead them to a sure death also was very interesting (Book 1, chapter 39). the snakes with fore legs, (Book 2, chapter 49) probably could inspire a writer for a Gothic story, equal literary inspiration would have been provided by the story where men and women live in isles apart (Book, 3 chapter 31), or the hippogrif in Madagascar (Book 3, chapter 33).
The description of giraffes in Book 3, chapter 34 is really endearing. The worry in describing the lands although very primitively compared to modern geography and biology shows wonder before a new world and is a constant in this book.
His account of the Middle East is especially interesting, he describes plants, animals, customs and when he gets to the presence of Christians, there are very interesting episodes, here's a sample:
-Iran for he brings to the table an ancient tradition concerning the Magi, in which they alternatively saw the Child Jesus as of their own age, but only could see Him as a baby when they all entered together. At the same time, His receiving of the three gifts, revealed to them his Godly, Kingly and Healer nature.
They were given a talisman whose meaning they couldn't decipher, so they threw it to a well and from there, a never ending, sacred fire, was always employed for ritual purposes by the adorators of the fire who carried this tradition until today (Book 1, chapters 13 and 14) .
-Samarcan, a miracle involving persecuted Christians resisting to the Great Khan's nephew desire to give back the first stone of the temple of St. John the Baptist to the Muslims where a column remains suspended in the air as if the stone had never been taken. (Book 1, chapter 34)
-The tomb of St. Thomas, Apostle, in India, according to Marco Polo, venerated by both Christians and Muslims, who take him as someone of his own religion. Miraculous and medicinal effects are attributed to the ground. St. Thomas is reported to have appeared to cease the oppresion of a landlord. Also, to have died at the hands of a hunter.
Though the style can get a bit repetitive in short city descriptions, the featuring of astrology, magic, the story of Genghis Khan whose military fate is predicted in a quasi Biblical manner, and his descendants, along with the religion and customs of this kingdom make up for it.
Clearly, the monasticism of some Hindu sects fascinated them as much as the riches they sought to found. They also believe that by drinking mercury, such groups reach eternal life.
Also, here you'll find the legend of Siddharta Gautama, as well. Muslims are inclined to believe the tomb is that of Adam, and Marco Polo does not confirm either version, especially backed on Scripture
If you read this book, you'd think most of the Khan necessarily had friendly relationships with Christians and this is where narrative gets hardly believable.
Many of the peoples subjugated to the Khan practiced various kinds of idolatry, polygamy, cannibalism there was an emperor cult, just like in Rome, and there were other practices (such as the mandatory loss of virginity for women before marrying in Tibet, which soon turned into prostitution, of course) that the expansion of Christianity would've questioned and banned. The most I could find was that the Khan at Marco Polo's time banned circumcission among Muslims.
On the other hand, the story of Lop and the travelers getting lost in the desert by voices of the spirits that might lead them to a sure death also was very interesting (Book 1, chapter 39). the snakes with fore legs, (Book 2, chapter 49) probably could inspire a writer for a Gothic story, equal literary inspiration would have been provided by the story where men and women live in isles apart (Book, 3 chapter 31), or the hippogrif in Madagascar (Book 3, chapter 33).
The description of giraffes in Book 3, chapter 34 is really endearing. The worry in describing the lands although very primitively compared to modern geography and biology shows wonder before a new world and is a constant in this book.
cleocreads_'s review
4.0
Interesting book about ancient civilizations, specifically regions within Asia. Although the title sounds like it contains instances of fun and thrilling adventures, I will warn you beforehand that it's not entirely like that. First and foremost, this book was intended to be somewhat of a travel guide for European audiences during this period. So its tone and language are monotonous and casual compared to fictional stories. However, his intake of different cultures and beliefs provides a very insightful prospect about ancient lifestyles and the significant gap between them and the modern world.
stacialithub's review against another edition
5.0
I feel like my reading of this book has taken as long as Polo's travels! (Mostly, though, it was because I got sidetracked by the extensive footnotes & subsequent internet research on various topics found in Polo's book.)
Polo's tales are an eclectic mix of geography notes, merchant/business observations, descriptions of plants/animals/governments/cultural customs interspersed with strange & outrageous tales (many true) along with plenty of gossip & hearsay (plenty false). It's almost like a mix of a dry textbook, a National Geographic documentary, a royal edict, Twitter, & the National Enquirer stirred to create his unique story. The complete mish-mash of information & mix of the mundane with the extraordinary reminded me a bit of the structure & jumble of Poe's [b:The Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym of Nantucket|766869|The Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym of Nantucket |Edgar Allan Poe|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1341387331s/766869.jpg|44915222]. Even though some parts are repetitive or boring recitations of business/trading/government facts, there are a lot of gems & fantastic observations... enough to make me overlook the slower parts in favor of the rest of it. Five stars for Polo's sheer chutzpah in living his life large & telling about it so that, even today, we can still enjoy his amazing travels.
Polo's tales are an eclectic mix of geography notes, merchant/business observations, descriptions of plants/animals/governments/cultural customs interspersed with strange & outrageous tales (many true) along with plenty of gossip & hearsay (plenty false). It's almost like a mix of a dry textbook, a National Geographic documentary, a royal edict, Twitter, & the National Enquirer stirred to create his unique story. The complete mish-mash of information & mix of the mundane with the extraordinary reminded me a bit of the structure & jumble of Poe's [b:The Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym of Nantucket|766869|The Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym of Nantucket |Edgar Allan Poe|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1341387331s/766869.jpg|44915222]. Even though some parts are repetitive or boring recitations of business/trading/government facts, there are a lot of gems & fantastic observations... enough to make me overlook the slower parts in favor of the rest of it. Five stars for Polo's sheer chutzpah in living his life large & telling about it so that, even today, we can still enjoy his amazing travels.
melcat's review against another edition
2.0
On an fascinating subject, the narrative of Marco Polo's book is unfortunately extremely dry and repetitive. It mainly consists of a list of all the different countries and regions that he has been to, with a few facts added here and there.
I saw in a review from a Goodreads member named David (unfortunately not active anymore, I really hope you're ok buddy) that "much of the book reads like a seven-hundred-year-old Lonely Planet guide ». While I find this sentence hilarious, that doesn't make it less true.
I wouldn’t really recommend it unless you're a collector of this edition (as I am) or particularly interested in travel stories/ geography listing. I’m very strict on reading every book I buy/keep, so the Audiobook kept me company on a few car trips. It really felt like a dream.
I saw in a review from a Goodreads member named David (unfortunately not active anymore, I really hope you're ok buddy) that "much of the book reads like a seven-hundred-year-old Lonely Planet guide ». While I find this sentence hilarious, that doesn't make it less true.
I wouldn’t really recommend it unless you're a collector of this edition (as I am) or particularly interested in travel stories/ geography listing. I’m very strict on reading every book I buy/keep, so the Audiobook kept me company on a few car trips. It really felt like a dream.
sumia's review against another edition
3.0
After watching the Netflix show 'Marco Polo', I gained a newfound interest in the history of the Mongol empire and thought reading this book would be a great start.
I must start off with a warning. If you expect a more streamlined story of Marco Polo's journey, then you'll be gravely disappointed. Of course I never expected this travel journal to be a consecutive story with twists and turns like in a television show, but I also did not expect it to be so repetitive and, dare I say, at times boring?
There were a lot of little stories about the different cultures Marco Polo encountered, and these were really interesting and often quite fun to read. However, he often had the tendency to go into detail for every little village he came across and only told the same information multiple times. It almost became hilarious in my opinion.
Despite this (in my eyes) glaring obstacle, I quite enjoyed the book. Some things he told were so fantastical that it seemed more like a fairy tale but it still offers you more insight into the lives of the people in that time period, which was the main reason for reading this book. It remains interesting to see how all these cultures experienced through the eyes of someone whose own upbringing was so removed from this part of the world.
I must start off with a warning. If you expect a more streamlined story of Marco Polo's journey, then you'll be gravely disappointed. Of course I never expected this travel journal to be a consecutive story with twists and turns like in a television show, but I also did not expect it to be so repetitive and, dare I say, at times boring?
There were a lot of little stories about the different cultures Marco Polo encountered, and these were really interesting and often quite fun to read. However, he often had the tendency to go into detail for every little village he came across and only told the same information multiple times. It almost became hilarious in my opinion.
Despite this (in my eyes) glaring obstacle, I quite enjoyed the book. Some things he told were so fantastical that it seemed more like a fairy tale but it still offers you more insight into the lives of the people in that time period, which was the main reason for reading this book. It remains interesting to see how all these cultures experienced through the eyes of someone whose own upbringing was so removed from this part of the world.
xherdanjackiri's review against another edition
challenging
informative
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0