Who is Marco Polo and why does his name sound so familiar? Yet why do most people seem to have no idea about who he is?

This book takes you eight centuries back in time to journey with one of the most renowned travelers in recorded history through his, almost fictious, adventures along the Silk Road.

The author characterizes Marco Polo as "a young Venetian of the thirteenth century, brought up amid luxury and wealth, of a bold spirit and a curious mind, went forth from his home in the beautiful city of the Adriatic, and for many years lived among a far-off Asiatic people, and at a court of barbaric yet splendid pomp."

"His life was passed amid an incessant succession of exciting events, of strange adventures, and of hair-breadth escapes." Writes Towle.

Marco Polo's travels, quite literally, put East Asia on the map, as his descriptions led to major advancements in cartography. Discover how he amassed a fortune, lost everything, and became wealthy again, and how his adventures ultimately lead to the foundation of the United States of America!

"The central figure of the story is heroic, for Marco Polo was in all things manly, brave, persevering, intelligent, and chivalrous; and the scenes and incidents in which he was the leading actor were in the highest degree thrilling and dramatic."

George Towle