1421: The Year China Discovered America

There is a metric ton of scholarly research between these covers. We learn of the great tribute fleets of China and explore the idea that they went further than is generally accepted. I can't judge with accuracy the validity of the authors premise, I don't have the background in the subject. But it is fascinating to read how he makes his case. This is very well researched and reasoned. I do not say it is true but this work must be taken seriously.

This review of history is both compelling and is backed by some reasonable evidence. While it may not reach the required levels of proof that modern science requires- there is no doubt it presents some irrefutable challenges to current thinking. Enjoyable read and recommended.

I'm giving this book 4 stars for one main reason - it brings forward a new theory that many other scholars believe *is possible* but does not prove that it *did happen*. However, not enough evidence is available yet to conclude that Gavin's theory is just fiction.I am a graduate student in history and just attended (today) a panel at the annual American Historical Association's meeting in DC. Mr. Menzies and several prominent, scholarly Chinese historians (including John Wills and Valerie Hansen) spoke on a panel about his book. I went to the panel expecting to hear the scholars shoot down Mr. Menzies' book. To some extent, they did. However, when Mr. Menzies stood up and presented new information on DNA and, more importantly, some brand new documents out of Fuijan province in China that came from a Chinese historian there, the academic historians were interested in further investigation (mostly the documents, but each admitted they cannot say the Chinese *didn't* reach the Americas).As someone training to become an academic historian, I will say this about what I got out of today. One of the historians on the panel made quite possibly the best point out of everyone -- something I will remember as I now look more seriously at this theory put before us. There are many, many unexplained pieces of evidence that Mr. Menzies brings forth in this book. For instance, the maps that existed before the European explorers, showing the perfect shape of Africa, South America, the Azores, etc. Now, the Chinese may not have discovered these per say, but until someone else can prove that ANOTHER group of people were the first, or that there is another explanation for these curiosities (because it is agreed the Europeans were usually not the first) -- who are we to heavily criticize Mr. Menzies? After all, we have no explanation of the Chinese artifacts showing up on the West coast. We have no explanation of how South America was perfectly drawn on a 1424 map - maybe the Arabs did it? Fine, go out and try to prove that.So, when you pick up this book you should sit back and look with a critical eye but you also need to look at it like a lot of other historical issues - a possible explanation or theory used to construct a narrative that will connect the past in our minds.As for those who believe the historical narrative they teach you in the public school system, keep in mind that what you learn in school is WHAT THE GOVERNMENT WANTS YOU TO LEARN! Think about it. (Also, pick up a copy of "Silencing the Past" by Michel Trouillot, who discusses how certain "powerless" people are silenced in history -- in his case he discusses the Haitian Revolution. Reading a book like that gets you to think differently about a theory like the one in this book). What we teach our students in schools today is already missing so much and simply "accepted" narrative anyways.One last thing about this book -- use the companion website to view evidence and all evidence updates. Mr. Menzies mentioned it several times today in his discussion as it contains a lot more and the newest evidence he presented to us today -- [...]

I purchased this book a year ago and finally have the time to commit to the 650 pages. I am listening to the audiobook along with the paper back so I can pronounce the Chinese words correctly. This book is for the lovers of China s history and culture. My introduction to Chinese culture was Pearl S. Buck in 1954 when I was 10. Now at 79 books have kept my mind and imagination yearning to read until my time on earth ends. I shall then take the libraries Bookmobile instead of a hearse to my final resting place. Thank you Gavin for this wonderful book.

The author is an experienced submariner and because of that he can articulate how ancient Chinese sailed the seven seas. The Chinese in the Ming Dynasty welcomed people and trade from all corners of the known world, and brought many others with them as they explored the world. Unlike European explorers who sailed much later and using maps prepared during Chinese voyages, they cooperated with native populations and left some of their own people with civilizations from Australia to South America, the Caribbean and even within what is now the continental united States. Evidence of these voyages is documented with constructed towers, established plants from Asia, local legend and lore, and Chinese DNA.Read this and be informed!

I loved the way Mr. Menzies gathered up tidbits from all over the world and put them together to create a cohesive tale of Chinese adventures. The locals on the coast of Oregon have been finding large blocks of beeswax stamped with Chinese lettering washed up on the beach. Mr. Menzies discusses a Chinese ship wreck off the same coast and how it probably had beeswax on board. I found these little details magical and eagerly looked forward to reading about the next one.

I have the original print, and am glad that this has updated information, maps, and pictures.

Well researched

Plus it solves the mystery about where Piri Reis got his information.

Awesome book and super fast service from the seller . Thank you so much

Libro muy interesante

An account of voyages of exploration of the writer, to discover evidence and proofs of Chinese history of World Exploration and Mapping prior to Western Explorers. While the content is eye opening and fascinating the writing style made it laborious for me to read, but that's me. This history had a great potential to be much more engrossing. If you are disposed to Western arrogance this book is not for you as you will immediately disregard the evidence, for everyone else you will gain something from reading this book.