The Travels of Marco Polo — Volume 2

This volume continues Marco Polo’s legendary trek across the far‑reaching lands of Cathay, turning the page to the western and south‑western reaches of the empire. In vivid, first‑hand prose he describes bustling river towns, remote mountain passes, and the glittering courts of distant kings, offering a rare glimpse of 13th‑century Asian societies. Readers will encounter bustling silk markets, exotic foods, and the intricate customs of peoples ranging from the hill‑tribes of the highlands to the merchants of thriving port cities.

The edition adds a wealth of scholarly notes that illuminate the text, clarifying place names, trade terms, and cultural references that can be puzzling to modern ears. Detailed illustrations and an extensive index help listeners follow Polo’s route and compare his observations with contemporary sources. Together, the translation and commentary make this ancient travelogue both accessible and richly informative, inviting listeners to wander alongside one of history’s most famous explorers.