In Xanadu: A Quest

This is quite simply an enchanting book and for two interconnected reasons. The first and most striking reason is that Dalrymple manages to capture and convey the shear sense of wonder and excitement that comes from traveling across the world when young. So young, in fact, that I kept having to remind myself that he was only 22 when he wrote it. If that were its only noteworthy aspect the book would be just one of many other worthy works of travel and exploration. What makes Dalrymple's book so compelling is his extensive grasp of the history and culture of the lands through which he traveled. I like to think that I have read a little of the literature relevant to the countries he passed through but time and again I was brought up short by some tale of a character, event or place of which I had never heard but that had caught Dalrymple's imagination and whose story he wished to share. He proved to be a teller of tales every bit as adept and entrancing as Scheherazade. The premise of the book is that after graduating Dalrymple wanted to re-trace the footsteps of Marco Polo from Jerusalem across Asia Minor and deep into the heart of Asia in search of the legendary Xanadu. To do this he had to pass through Israel, Syria, Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan and China, visiting some of the most important and memorable sites of antiquity on the way. He made his journey in the late 80s meaning that his journey, although maybe not as perilous or difficult, was a worthy successor to Marco Polo's epic voyage. Since reading In Xanadu I have gone on to read several other books by Dalrymple and while his mature style is a little more settled and refined I look back on this first journey I shared with him with a special fondness for its marvelous exuberance and sense of the infinite possibility of youth.

The writer is a Scotsman, a student at Cambridge, who undertakes to follow Marco Polo's route to Xanadu. Polo did it in the year 1271, Dalrymple does it in 1989. Observant, detailed, interesting---customs, and oh the people and the noise! Excellent writing style, essentially a travel book BUT a travel book par excellence!

I quite enjoyed this, the second of Dalymple's books I've read. It suffered a bit from comparison with From the Holy Mountain, the work of a more mature, observant, but no less intrepid writer. I also found myself shocked by a passage that seemed to embody the attitude of a 19th century British missionary: "The village was poorer than any we had seen in Persia, but to European eyes it was infintely preferable. The faces of the men were craggy and rugged, and had none of the effeminacy of the Persians. There was a restrained dignity in their bearing. They regarded us with only casual curiosity and with none of the self-demeaning humility of most Indians." Ugh...

Vintage WD, though it seems to be his first book, with historical insights and travel travails of the not too distant past

Maybe he has come to his senses now, after all he was only 22 when he embarked on this historical journey following the footsteps of Marco Polo. This journey was crazy, with literally no budget, not much planning, not knowing where they will even spend the night or how they will get to their next stop. He was accompanied by two female companions Laura (from Jerusalem to Lahore) and Louisa (from Lahore to Xanadu) who were also equally crazy. However, thanks to them we get a highly entertaining and informative book about the regions and countries they traveled through. They mostly slept in run down cheap hotels with appalling conditions, hitch-hiked for the most part and ate street food. The only two stops where they encountered some luxury was a week-long stay at Dalrymple's friend's mansion in Lahore, where he switched companions and a State Guest House near the Indus River along Karakorum Highway Pakistan where they twisted the truth to get in. Other than those two locations, you mostly feel sorry for these poor travelers and are thoroughly entertained during the whole process. I think they should do an encore journey (from 1986 to present day), that book would probably be less entertaining but still informative.

Interesting book from a young person setting out on an adventure through the fantasy worlds of western antiquity. Reading it some 30 years later it does provide a glimpse of a world not yet fully globalized. Dalrymple's conspicuous presentation of his knowledge of the European perspective ranges from interesting to overbearing, but might be fun for others who have read those histories as well. One of the most interesting things about this book is getting a glimpse of how a young, Oxford and establishment-educated Briton sees the world outside of Britain and how he interacts with so many "savages" (as he might call them) or former subjects of the empire. He seems very concerned with being among "the first europeans" in 100, 200, or however many years to visit many sites. Don't expect too much cultural insight in here though.

In Xanadu is a fascinating, very, very interesting, and very, very funny book! I loved it! Dalrymple is a terrific writer and in this book he is a very brave young man. And he has two very brave young women as traveling companions. Read it and enjoy it and be glad you never have to make a trip like this.

Interesting very "English" book by a great author. Must read in the style of the Old Patagonian Express

I really enjoyed reading this book. I have read several of William's books before and I finally got round to reading this as I'm off to Xanadu later this year. The author describes his journey from the Middle East to China overland and the book is already one of my favourite travel books - he has a great style and William's historical knowledge meant that I also learnt a lot. Not bad for a book published by a 22-year-old!

In Xanadu: A Quest by William Dalrymple is a delightful and engaging travelogue that follows Dalrymple's journey along the ancient Silk Road, retracing the footsteps of the 13th-century Venetian explorer Marco Polo. Travel Adventure The book chronicles Dalrymple's quest to travel from Jerusalem to the site of Xanadu in Inner Mongolia, China. Along the way, he encounters a diverse cast of characters, navigates bureaucratic hurdles, and experiences the cultural richness of the regions he traverses. Dalrymple's sense of adventure and curiosity drive the narrative, making the journey as much about personal discovery as historical exploration. Historical Context Interwoven with the travel narrative is a rich exploration of the historical and cultural significance of the Silk Road. Dalrymple provides insights into the trade routes that connected Europe and Asia, the exchange of goods and ideas, and the impact of cultural interactions on societies along the Silk Road. His research into Marco Polo's travels adds depth to the narrative, offering comparisons between the medieval and contemporary landscapes. Cultural Encounters A highlight of "In Xanadu" is Dalrymple's vivid descriptions of the diverse cultures, traditions, and landscapes he encounters. From bustling markets in Istanbul to remote villages in Central Asia, Dalrymple captures the vibrancy and complexity of the Silk Road civilizations. His interactions with locals provide intimate glimpses into their lives, beliefs, and histories, enriching the reader's understanding of these often overlooked regions. Humor and Reflection Dalrymple's wit and humor infuse the narrative, offering moments of levity amidst the challenges of travel. His observations on cultural quirks, language barriers, and unexpected situations add a human touch to the story, making it relatable and engaging. At the same time, Dalrymple reflects on the broader themes of identity, globalization, and the enduring allure of exploration, inviting readers to contemplate their own journeys of discovery. Literary Style Dalrymple's prose is lyrical and evocative, capturing the essence of the places he visits with vivid detail. His storytelling prowess and descriptive language transport readers across continents and centuries, evoking a sense of wonder and adventure. The book is accessible to both travel enthusiasts and history buffs, offering a blend of narrative flair and scholarly insight. In Xanadu: A Quest by William Dalrymple is a captivating exploration of the Silk Road, blending travel adventure with historical inquiry. Through vivid storytelling and insightful observations, Dalrymple retraces Marco Polo's legendary journey, offering readers a window into the cultural tapestry of Eurasia. The book is a testament to the enduring allure of exploration and the transformative power of travel.

Historical context and research evident in every scene. A wonderful mixture of fact and matter-of-fact opinion. Inspires healthy curiosity about the history of many forgotten places.

The book was delivered quickly and the quality of the book is great. I am satisfied with it.

Must read.