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Marco Polo – Il Milione
InquiryMarco Polo – The Discovery of the World
THE MOST FAMOUS EUROPEAN TRAVAL ACCOUNT OF THE LATE MIDDLE AGES
To mark the 700th anniversary of Marco Polo, one of history’s most renowned explorers, his work "The Discovery of the World" takes center stage. The most famous European travel account of the late Middle Ages offers an extraordinarily detailed portrayal of the cultures, lands, and peoples of Asia. The manuscript, created around 1500, stands as a unique testimony to medieval travel literature and a milestone in the history of European knowledge.
A VENETIAN MERCHANT ON A JOURNEY AROUND THE WORLD
Marco Polo, the son of a Venetian merchant, embarked on a journey to China in 1271 with his father and uncle. He rose to become an advisor to the powerful Kublai Khan and spent many years at the Mongol court. His travels across Asia later inspired the legendary work "The Discovery of the World", which was widely translated and disseminated across numerous languages.
THE MARKETING OF A GLOBAL BESTSELLER
While imprisoned in Genoa, Marco Polo dictated his experiences to a fellow inmate. The result was a collection of captivating accounts describing the geography, economy, politics, and cultures of Asia—a source of wondrous tales that continues to enthrall readers to this day.
A UNIQUE TESTAMENT TO MEDIEVAL KNOWLEDGE
The renowned manuscript MS2591, held by the Bibliothèque de l’Arsenal in Paris, is among the most richly illustrated versions of this text. Featuring 168 miniatures and exquisite illuminations, it reflects the text’s exceptional status in 15th-century Europe. Translations and adaptations bear witness to the widespread influence and significance of "The Discovery of the World" during the late medieval period.
A BESTSELLER THROUGH THE CENTURIES
Marco Polo’s discoveries were copied, translated, and circulated countless times. In numerous versions, the travel account captivated audiences ranging from kings and scholars to adventurers. "The Discovery of the World" became one of the most influential texts in European cultural history.
Characteristics
Marco Polo - Il Milione | |
| Format | 29,8cm x 20,6cm |
| Limitation | 610 copies worldwide 299 copies exclusively for the German-speaking world |
| Binding | red velvet binding |
| Item Number | 72102 |
| Publisher | Müller und Schindler Co-Edition with TRECCANI, Rom |
Info Data
Marco Polo - Il Milione | |
| Creation Year | Um 1500 |
| Library | Bibliothèque de lÁrsenal, Paris |
| Signature | MS 5219 |
| Extent | 168 Folios |
| Miniatures | 197 Miniaturen |
Questions and Answers
Marco Polo was a Venetian merchant and explorer who travelled to Asia in the 13th century. His experiences were documented in a travel narrative later known as "The Discovery of the World", the most famous European travel account of the late Middle Ages.
The text was one of the earliest detailed European descriptions of Central Asia and China. It opened new perspectives on distant lands and cultures for Western readers and profoundly influenced Europe's geographical understanding.
Marco Polo dictated his experiences to a fellow prisoner during his captivity in Genoa. The result was a captivating narrative filled with observations on the geography, economy, politics, and cultures of Asia.
The MS2591 manuscript, held by the Bibliothèque de l’Arsenal, is among the most richly illustrated versions of the text. With 168 miniatures, it reflects Europe's fascination with Polo’s journey and exemplifies the artistic richness of the period.
The text was widely copied, translated, and disseminated. It inspired generations of explorers, including Christopher Columbus, and played a vital role in broadening Europe's cultural and geographical horizons.
Historians continue to debate whether Marco Polo personally visited every location mentioned in his narrative. Some believe he incorporated accounts from other travellers as well – yet the work remains an outstanding source of knowledge from its time.
The work became a veritable bestseller, inspiring artists, geographers, and writers for generations. It served as the basis for numerous maps, travelogues, and adventure stories throughout the early modern period.
