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Binding: Hardcover
Dewey Decimal Number: 945.05
EAN: 9780061492174
ISBN: 0061492175
Label: William Morrow
Manufacturer: William Morrow
Number Of Items: 1
Number Of Pages: 384
Publication Date: June 01, 2008
Publisher: William Morrow
Release Date: June 03, 2008
Sales Rank: 20185
Studio: William Morrow
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Editorial Review:
Product Description:
The New York Times bestselling author of 1421 offers another stunning reappraisal of history, presenting compelling new evidence that traces the roots of the European Renaissance to Chinese exploration in the fifteenth century
The brilliance of the Renaissance laid the foundation of the modern world. Textbooks tell us that it came about as a result of a rediscovery of the ideas and ideals of classical Greece and Rome. But now bestselling historian Gavin Menzies makes the startling argument that in the year 1434, China—then the world's most technologically advanced civilization—provided the spark that set the European Renaissance ablaze. From that date onward, Europeans embraced Chinese intellectual ideas, discoveries, and inventions, all of which form the basis of western civilization today.
Florence and Venice of the early fifteenth century were hubs of world trade, attracting traders from across the globe. Based on years of research, this marvelous history argues that a Chinese fleet—official ambassadors of the emperor—arrived in Tuscany in 1434, where they were received by Pope Eugenius IV in Florence. The delegation presented the influential pope with a wealth of Chinese learning from a diverse range of fields: art, geography (including world maps that were passed on to Christopher Columbus and Ferdinand Magellan), astronomy, mathematics, printing, architecture, steel manufacturing, military weaponry, and more. This vast treasure trove of knowledge spread across Europe, igniting the legendary inventiveness of the Renaissance, including the work of such geniuses as da Vinci, Copernicus, Galileo, and more.
In 1434, Gavin Menzies combines this long-overdue historical reexamination with the excitement of an investigative adventure. He brings the reader aboard the remarkable Chinese fleet as it sails from China to Cairo and Florence, and then back across the world. Erudite and brilliantly reasoned, 1434 will change the way we see ourselves, our history, and our world.
Average Rating: 
Rating:  -
'1434: The Year a Magnificent Chinese Fleet Sailed to Italy and Ignited the Renaissance' is the much-awaited sequel to the international best seller '1421: The Year China discovered the World' by Gavin Menzies. Mr. Menzies presents evidence that boldly supports his hypotheses concerning the scientific and epistemological advances that occurred in Europe during the waning years of the Middle Ages. The author traces the progress of the embassy sent by the Xuande Emperor (Zhu Zhanji, reigned 1425 ... Read More
Rating: -
A great book. But it was not well folded by its first owner, all leaning on one side.
Rating:  -
Though the facts weren't substantiated, the book made an interesting read. Lots of history and details about the time period.
Rating: -
You have to view this book in relation to the first in the series, 1421. The earlier book was part history, part who-done-it and it served up an interesting mix of both. This book, 1434, carries on in the same tradition with some flaws that affect enjoyment. It reads too much like a historical detective story and, in my opinion, spends too much effort on trying to prove the author is 'right' about his major thesis that the Chinese visited Europe many times before and certainly in 1434. And, most ... Read More
Rating: -
Like his previous book, 1421, this book focuses on the exploits of the Chinese treasure fleets and how they explored the world (1421) and helped spark the European Renaissance (1434). Fascinating stuff, extremely well documented, a great read much like a good mystery.
This book is perhaps a bit "denser" than the earlier book and not as well written, in my opinion. Part of that is the subject matter--it's simply not as "grand" as the first book--and part of that is that the book feels somewhat ... Read More
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