Marco Polo by John Man
7 out of 10An Italian trader, Marco Polo set off in his father's and uncle's footsteps to discover new markets in the East. Through Middle Eastern caravans and Silk Road routes, he traveled for years to reach China and the seat of the world's most powerful man, Kublai Khan. The Yuan Dynasty was founded by Ghingas Kahn, and now his grandson ruled over the vast empire from the new capital city, Beijing. Polo spent 18 years in the Great Khan's court, including much time in the opulent summer palace located closer to the Mongolian homeland in Xanadu. Ultimately, he returned to Venice to tell his tale and inspire generations of travelers thereafter.