Marco Polo in China: A Venetian in the Realm of Khubilai Khan (Routledgecurzon Studies on the Early History of Asia)

Marco Polo's famous book about his journey to China, written in 1298, continues to be a subject of considerable controversy. One recent work on the subject argues that Marco Polo never went to China at all, and other scholars have pointed out apparent mistakes and important omissions in Marco Polo's writings, including his failure to mention the Great Wall, and his apparently erroneous description of the course of the Yellow River. Haw re-examines Marco Polo's writings. The main arguments against his credibility have been negative, concentrating on things that it is argued he should have seen and noted but did not. The most serious of these supposed omissions are generally said to be his failure to describe the Chinese writing system, tea, foot-binding and the Great Wall of China. Yet Haw argues that what he does mention is impressive and argues strongly for his veracity. This book clarifies Marco Polo's itineraries in China and proposes several new identifications of places mentioned. Relying extensively on original Chinese sources and supplemented by Haw's wide knowledge of China, Marco Polo's China presents a convincing argument and concludes that his work is an accurate, important and useful source from an extraordinary period of Chinese history. Book Cover......Page 1 Half Title......Page 2 Title......Page 4 Copyright......Page 5 Contents......Page 6 Illustrations......Page 7 Acknowledgements......Page 8 Introduction: Lies or truth?......Page 10 1. China before the Mongol conquest......Page 17 2. The Mongols and their conquests......Page 36 3. The journey and the writing of the book......Page 49 4. No Great Wall?......Page 61 5. Cities, canals and rivers......Page 77 6. Marco’s journeys in China, part 1 - the route into China......Page 91 7. Marco’s journeys in China, part 2 - Khanbalikh to Caragian and Mien......Page 103 8. Marco’s journeys in China, part 3 - Glogiu to Caiton......Page 117 9. Rhubarb, musk, cranes and other creatures......Page 133 10. Wine, women and poison......Page 156 11. Military affairs......Page 168 12. A unique life and legacy......Page 178 Notes......Page 189 List of Chinese words and characters......Page 190 Bibliography......Page 204 Index......Page 213 Introduction: Truth Or Lies? -- China Before The Mongol Conquest -- The Mongols And Their Conquests -- The Journey And The Writing Of The Book -- No Great Wall? -- Cities, Canals And Rivers -- Marco's Journeys In China, Part 1: The Route Into China -- Marco's Journeys In China, Part 2: Khanbalikh To Caragian And Mien -- Marco's Journeys In China, Part 3: Giogiu To Çaiton -- Rhubarb, Musk, Cranes And Other Creatures -- Wine, Women And Poison -- Military Affairs -- A Unique Life And Legacy. Stephen G. Haw. Simultaneously Published In The Usa And Canada By Routledgecurzon. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. Stephen Haw re-examines Marco Polo's book, arguing convincingly that he did indeed go to China. The book concludes that Marco Polo's work is an accurate, important and useful source for an extraordinary period of Chinese history.