The Travels of Marco Polo — Volume 2

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

12410

Title

The Travels of Marco Polo — Volume 2

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

This volume presents the second half of Marco Polo's legendary journey through Asia, offering a vivid account of diverse cultures, exotic wildlife, and ancient trade routes. Rich with geographical insights and historical anecdotes, it captures the wonder of the medieval world while providing a detailed look at the regions of China, Tibet, and beyond.

Summary up to 500 words

Volume 2 of *The Travels of Marco Polo* continues the Venetian explorer's epic chronicle of his journeys across the known world, offering a vivid tapestry of medieval geography, culture, and commerce. The narrative begins in the province of Carajan (modern-day Yunnan), where Polo details the capital Yachi and its unique economy. Here, the currency consists of white porcelain shells found in the sea, valued at a specific ratio to silver and gold. The region is noted for its abundant salt production, which generates significant revenue for the local king. Polo observes distinct local customs, including the consumption of raw meat seasoned with garlic and spices, and a social attitude toward marriage that differs markedly from European norms. The text also describes a vast lake teeming with large, diverse fish. Geographically, the volume explores the complex landscape of the Kin-sha Kiang (the Upper Yangtze) and the valley of Kien-ch’ang, which Polo identifies as Caindu. This fertile valley, accessible only through difficult routes, is characterized by a warm climate and a population with mixed ancestry. The narrative then shifts to the province of Abash (Abyssinia), a vast Christian kingdom ruled by a great king who wages war against the Soldan of Aden. Polo recounts a poignant story of a bishop sent on pilgrimage to Jerusalem who is forced to undergo circumcision by the Soldan of Aden before being released, an act that incites the Christian king to launch a devastating military campaign against Aden. The text highlights the region's diverse fauna, including elephants, giraffes, lions, and ostriches, as well as its agricultural products like cassia and spiced wine. Throughout the volume, extensive annotations by Henry Yule and Henri Cordier provide essential historical context, linguistic analysis, and geographical corrections. These notes bridge the gap between Polo's medieval descriptions and modern understanding, clarifying the identification of ancient names with contemporary locations and explaining cultural practices, such as the branding of Abyssinian Christians during baptism. The volume serves as both a travelogue and a historical record, preserving the marvels and mysteries of the East as seen through the eyes of a medieval traveler, enriched by centuries of scholarly research.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Classics
• Biography
• History
• Travel