Helpful Score: 5
An interesting notin and book. Some of the author's assertations are unsupported, and absolutely no conflicting evidence is given in the book. But the research into the early use of nautical charts and the ability to find very small bits of evidence in old manuscripts and charts is astounding. You will likely come to the conclusion that China did in fact get do some of the things in the book earlier than the Europeans, only to be lost in the tides of history.
Helpful Score: 3
This book is terrible. It is not scientific in any way. A scientific study is falsificationist, whereas this book is completely verificationist. Menzies starts out with the idea that he is correct and only presents tidbits that might corroborate his version of events. I have read every book on maritime history and exploration that I can get my hands on, and this was one of the most disappointing ever. For a more accurate and less biased version of the history of the Chinese treasure fleet, read Louise Levathes book When China Ruled the Seas. It is not written in a flowery style, but it is trustworthy and well-researched.
Helpful Score: 3
This is one of the most interesting andimportant book I've read. It it reveals a history I wish I had available seventy years ago in high school!! The comparisons of the fleets of China and England in 1421 are staggering to one brought up on traditional 'western civilization' history. Th size of the vessels, crews and worldwide trips have nothing like it in world history based on the episodes of Dutch, English, Moorish, Portuguese, Spanish capabilities on the oceans.
It'll be a while before this is re-listed on PBS as I want to read it again and share with others. For me this spoke of a history I must have intuitively known for I've always felt that the 'Columbus discovery of America' was not what it was claimed to be.
It'll be a while before this is re-listed on PBS as I want to read it again and share with others. For me this spoke of a history I must have intuitively known for I've always felt that the 'Columbus discovery of America' was not what it was claimed to be.
Helpful Score: 2
great book! not fiction. very interesting with facts to back up. Written by a retired submarine captain who knows what he is talking about. Definitely a learning experience and I highly recommend it. however, I am keeping this for my personal library so if you want it, you will have to put it on your wish list like I did.!
Helpful Score: 1
Thesis; chineses descendants of sailors and their concubines who been part of one of the greatest treasure fleets that sailed the worlds oceans.