I read the first edition of 1421 and now it's "sequel" 1434 is out. 1421 claimed that the Chinese fleet of Ming emperor Yong Le under Admiral Cheng Ho circumnavigated the earth and discovered America 70 years before Columbus did. No doubt Cheng Ho visited South East Asia and parts of India and Africa in his voyages. This is a historical fact.
But to circum navigate the world ? Well the controversy still rages between those who believe it's plausibility and those who argue adamantly against it. Me ? I'd like to think that those crew, artisans, soldiers and merchants who survived the journey would have much to share with their families and friends when they returned, never mind that the official records were burnt and the treasure ships dismantled by the court when China decided to discontinue its maritime endeavours. Or did the court rounded each one of them up and silence them as well. Such "unofficial" records might still exist within the memory of the communities of these sea farers. Maybe I should retire and do research on it in China ?
1434 went a step further to argue a case that the Chinese fleet or part of it reached Florence, met the Pope and the sharing of Chinese technology sparked the Renaissance. Now that is mind blowing audacity and I am sure will stoke the fire of the raging controversy even more. Am I a believer ? Well it's quite a story but I gotta consult Mulder & Scully........
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