In Xanadu: A Quest, by William Dalrymple
This captivating travelogue In Xanadu follows William Dalrymple, a 22-year-old Cambridge student with wanderlust in his veins, as he embarks on an audacious 12,000-mile adventure tracing Marco Polo's legendary path. From the ancient stones of Jerusalem's Holy Sepulchre to the fabled summer palace of Kublai Khan in Inner Mongolia, Dalrymple's journey is a tapestry of history, humor, and human connection.
Accompanied first by Laura, a woman he met just two weeks prior in England, and later by his ex-girlfriend Louisa, Dalrymple weaves through the vibrant landscapes of Israel, Iran, Pakistan, and across the width of China. His sharp wit and keen eye transform everyday mishaps into laugh-out-loud anecdotes, while his historical insights breathe life into the ghosts of empires past.
The true heart of In Xanadu lies in Dalrymple's encounters with the colorful characters he meets along the way. Each interaction paints a vivid portrait of cultures bridging ancient traditions and modern realities. Dalrymple's fiercely intelligent observations are peppered with hilarious, deadpan stories about the travails of his journey, creating a perfect balance of entertainment and education.
This multi-award-winning book stands as a shining example of travel writing at its finest. Dalrymple's debut work not only launched his career as a renowned author but also invites readers to lose themselves in the romance, challenges, and sheer wonder of the open road. In Xanadu offers a unique blend of historical context and contemporary adventure, making it a must-read for anyone with a passion for travel, history, or simply a great story.
“On another wall two monumental pictures of the Ayatollah were capped with the inscriptions in both Persian and English: BEING HYGIENIC IS DIRECTLY RELATED ON THE MAN’S PERSONALITY and ALLAH COMMANDS THE RE-USE OF RENEWABLE RESOURCES. We had expected anything of the Ayatollah. But hardly that he would turn out to be an enthusiastic ecologist.”
Interesting Facts & Links:
Read a great recap by William Dalrymple 25 years after his journey, at The Spectator.
A great way to learn more about Xanadu itself is to check out the UNESCO website and their list of World Heritage locations. UNESCO is the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization. They manage a list of sites around the world that they believe reflects the world's cultural and natural diversity. Click here to learn more about Xanadu and about UNESCO.
Those interested in Marco Polo himself should actually consider reading The Travels of Marco Polo, one of the first great travel narratives.
In Xanadu is one of absolute favorite travel reads. Click here to see all of our top recommendations for travel literature.
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