The Travels of Marco Polo

By: Marco Polo

Narrated by: Walter Covell

The Travels of Marco Polo by Marco Polo Read by Walter Covell. Take a fascinating journey through strange and exotic countries. Marco Polo (1254-1324), is probably the most famous Westerner who traveled on the "Silk Road." With his 24-year journey through Asia he surpassed all other travelers in his determination, his writing, and his influence. He reached further than any of his predecessors, beyond Mongolia to China. He became a confidant of Kublai Khan (1214-1294). He traveled the whole of China and returned to tell the tale, which became one of the world's greatest travelogues.©1991 Jimcin Recordings; cover design © 2003 Brian J. Killavey (P)16 Jimcin Recordings; 1991 Jimcin Recordings; 2003 Jimcin Recordings

Marco the phoenix

I thought it was very interesting to listen to the full story, it took a while but i listened to it all and i think it’s worth it to anyone who is curious about traveling

Interesting but perhaps better in print.

A very interesting book, but not a great audiobook. It is better suited for print as it is established more like a synoptic history text that stirs collaboration with other sources. A highly intriguing topic will be introduced, described in a few sentences and then left alone, this was constantly inspiring me to cross validate and pull other resources to better understand what Marco was talking about, but as you can imagine it is difficult to mark and reference parts of an audiobook.

It is a great pice of work

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Even with all the mysteries and questions that exist around the figure of Marco Polo, on the existence and veracity of what supposedly dictated to his amanuensis, Rustichello of Pisa, or if Rustichello get carried away by hes own imagination. This is a fantastic work that allows us to awaken our imagination to visualize how could be the medieval Asia, that was visit by Marco, even though Marco omitted ovais things of the customs of China (Cathay and Mangi) as the characters of Chinese writing, printing or chopsticks. but he discussed other aspects of the life in Asia, such as paper currency, the Grand Canal, the structure of the Mongol army, a large number of animals including tigers and panthers, the existence of Japan (Cipango) and the system of the imperial postal.

What did you like best about this story?

The facts that have captured my imagination are the descriptions of deserts, the great battles, description of places like Island of Women or the Isle of Man, trade routes such as the silk route, the way armies organized before a battle, the vastness of deserts, as well as the extension of the cities that came to be more than a million and a half inhabitants. Or the opulence in which the rulers lived, also the descriptions of palaces and harems and the tragic way women were elected for the harems. Or the women warriors who only marry with the man who was able to defeat them in combat. Or as he explains acupuncture and hospitals.Other things that have like me, are the supernatural stories like those of Prester John, or the acts of levitation, telekinesis, Mirages, evil spirits, weather manipulation; all these phenomena made by Geniuses, Monks, Shamans, Healers, Demons and a great etc.

Which scene was your favorite?

I find it disconcerting that are not important the description of the behavior as we headed south of the Star Polar or North Star, and how he explain their movement geting close to the horizon or even disappears. For me this is a great point for Marco because as merchant had sailed enough to have heard of this phenomenon and not have to discuss it as something that surprises him.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes

The organization of the empire is fascinating.

Fun to listen to such an incredible tale, quite an interesting observation of his world.

Powerfully educative

Marco Polo had formed our imagery of the far world for centuries. He corrected far fetched conclusions erroneously made of Mongolians & their world changing exploits. A collector's item