The Age of Discovery: The Travels and Adventures of Marco Polo Throughout China and the Mongol Empire, Volume I (Joe Lee Roger)

I think this is the most entertaining history book I have ever read. The book follows the journey of Marco Polo, but instead of boring recalling of the trips, it includes fun snippets, exciting information about the culture of places he visited, how he viewed them, and the precious, here and there—a little bit, not too much—author's commentaries that are both funny and sarcastic. The comparison of the modern-day in the language at that time at the end of the book is also a gem. 

 The journey went along places/cultures that I know a little bit of history of, or quite familiar with the modern setting, or some tales were so bizarre that I did a little reading about them here and there. I googled what argali looks like, and I read about Dragoian Pidie. In my little hometown, there was a famous TV series told from the point of view of conquered Genghis Khan's area. I didn't know its history, significance, and accuracy until I was older, thinking it was just some entertaining tale, so it was fun to read it from things beyond my knowledge from an explorer's observation. 

I can't help but imagine myself doing that, going somewhere blindly, unsure about who and what you are going to encounter; after all, there are no social media, Google, or digital maps to guide you. I am old enough to experience navigating by asking, looking at natural landmarks, and using paper maps and ancient compasses. Still, I knew what to expect with little chance of meeting cannibal tribes, spouses for rent, or unknown 'supernatural' natural phenomena. 

Overall, it was a great read. Plus point, I am also pleased that Marco Polo sort of confirmed my lifelong suspicion that rhinoceros are fat unicorns. 

 5 100% alfresco priests out of 5 goriest research field trips.