Marco Polo

* Reviews *

This biography is part of the series, Great Explorers of the World. The author begins with the story of Marcos father and uncle, Maffeo and Niccolo Polo, both Venetian merchants who traveled to the East for exotic spices, silks, and jewels. Marco did not know his father during the first fifteen years of his life, but in the year 1271, at the age of seventeen, he is allowed to travel with his father and uncle to the East to meet the great Kublai Khan. Students will learn some history of both China and Italy, including the Tartars of the Mongol Empire, the Venice trading industry, and the rise of the two most well-known Mongol leaders, Genghis Khan and Kublai Khan. It takes Marco and his traveling companions four years to reach the palace of Kublai Khan. Once there, Marco spends the next seventeen years in the service of the great Khan. He is eventually allowed to leave the palace and is asked to escort a Mongol Princess to her betrothed in Persia. In the year 1295 Marco finally returns to Venice. Several years later, Marco is imprisoned. During his time in prison, Marco dictates the story of his travels to a fellow inmate. Some of the excerpts from Marcos tale are included in this book. The book also includes a time line, several paintings and illustrations, a map of Polos journey, a glossary and chapter notes. While much of the writing may be dry for younger readers, there is good information for possible research projects., Children's Literature