NVD86CUV

This is thorough history of the famous medieval traveller suitable for middle school students. While it often difficult to piece together accurate information about Polo, the authors cite factual information about others that we do know about with whom can be cross-referenced. They are careful to point this out. For example, some information that we know about Carpini who came before Polo coincides with some descriptions in Polo's writings. We also learn information about the Mongol Empire and its great khans such as Genghis and Kubulai. Also while emphasizing the characterization of the Dark Ages in Europe, there are colorful illustrations showing fanciful creatures that were a product of the European's lack of true thought. The other black and white illustrations also support the historical account. This would work well with a curriculum focusing on medieval studies or the study of Chaucer.