“I have read everything written on Marco Polo, and John Man’s book is, by far, my favorite work on the subject. It’s not only an over-due and important historical study, it’s an entertaining ride every step of the way.” — John Fusco, Creator of the Netflix original series Marco Polo
“Beautifully charted. ... An in-the-footsteps-of-Marco-Polo journey through Europe to China which really makes you feel you are wearing Polo’s slippers as you go.” — Scotsman (A Best Book of the Year selection)
“An engaging piece of storytelling and a very companionable journey of exploration.” — The Guardian
“An erudite and lively piece of travel writing, and an excellent read.” — Sunday Telegraph
“Enjoyable. ... Fascinating. ... Man’s erudition and hands-on approach to solving historical questions is endearing and keeps the pages turning.” — Asian Review of Books
“One could ask for no better storyteller or analyst than John Man.” — Simon Sebag Montefiore, author of Jerusalem: The Biography
“John Man’s ability to put us in the picture, to feel, smell, and almost touch the surroundings he describes, is matched by his ability to tell a good story.” — Michael Palin
“Inspiring for travelers.” — Lonely Planet
“[Man] has sifted through Polo’s fanciful tale… Polo’s observations are compelling, but his omissions are intriguing, and Man rushes to fill them with accounts of his own travels with a guide across the Asian steppes and desert.” — Kirkus Reviews
“An enjoyable read that is recommended for anyone with a general interest in the subject.” — Library Journal (starred review)
“Great good fun. ... [Man] cultivates the sense of wonder in describing unknown lands and unknown peoples, making it easy to imagine being at the court of Kublai Khan, the most powerful man of the time, and experiencing the wonders of another time and place.” — San Francisco Book Review
