logo

74 pages 2 hours read

The Travels of Marco Polo

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2004

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Book Brief

logo
Marco Polo

The Travels of Marco Polo

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2004
Book Details
Pages

384

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

Asia • 13th Century

Publication Year

2004

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Lexile Level

790L

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

The Travels of Marco Polo, co-written by Marco Polo and Rustichello da Pisa, recounts Marco Polo's explorations from 1271 to 1295 across Asia, detailing his ventures from the Middle East to China under Kublai Khan's patronage, followed by journeys through coastal regions like Africa and Southeast Asia, and finally covering Russia and the Mongols, illustrating the cultural and geographical marvels encountered. The book includes moral judgments on differing cultural practices.

Adventurous

Informative

Mysterious

Fantastical

Reviews & Readership

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

The Travels of Marco Polo captivates with vivid descriptions and cultural insights, offering a detailed look into 13th-century Asia. However, modern readers may find its veracity questionable and pacing uneven. Enthusiasts of historical travel narratives will appreciate its adventurous spirit despite some dated elements.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Travels of Marco Polo?

Readers who enjoy The Travels of Marco Polo by Marco Polo are often enthralled by historical explorations and medieval travels. They appreciate vivid descriptions of diverse cultures and landscapes. Comparable works include Ibn Battuta's The Rihla and John Mandeville's The Travels of Sir John Mandeville. Ideal for fans of adventure and historical accounts.

Character List

Marco Polo

An explorer who recounts his travels in the service of Kublai Khan, presenting firsthand observations of diverse cultures and events, and occasionally expressing candid opinions about those he encounters.

The powerful ruler of the Yuan Dynasty, known for his opulence, religious tolerance, and strategic military expansions, who employs Marco Polo and his family, valuing their insights and advice on various matters.

Book Details
Pages

384

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

Asia • 13th Century

Publication Year

2004

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Lexile Level

790L

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.