1421: The Year China Discovered America

Title: 1421: The Year China Discovered America

Author: Gavin Menzies

Summary: The Chinese treasure fleets of 1421-23 covered much of the globe. Follow along as Mr. Menzies tracks their voyages around the world. Did the Chinese start colonies in Australia, California, and the Caribbean? An interesting but not always coherent read.

Recommendation: Recommended, with reservations. I'm not sure if this belongs in the Dewey 900 series (history) or perhaps in 000 along with Erich von Daniken. The book has some interesting ideas, but the development seemed flawed. So much of the book runs, "Only the Chinese could have done this." Read it, but with a grain (perhaps a block) of salt.

Hearts: 2