Negative Positive
Title: Everything in it makes perfect sense
Review: The idea that Chinese maps were used in the European discoveries of America makes perfect sense. Along with that comes a question: would Columbus have told Queen Isabella that the Chinese really discovered America? I do not think so. It is prefectly logical that these voyages were kept secret by not only the Chinese (due to radical shifts in China) but by explorers who wanted to take all the credit. Academics are quick to criticize Menzies, mainly since he departs from their own developed theories. Dismissing this book out of hand is reckless and short sighted. One other key factor is Menzies' intimate knowledge of the seas (winds, currents, etc.), which most land-locked academics lack. This book (and others about the period) can give us important insights into the Chinese character (temporarily aborted by Mao, the great destroyer)which can help us decifer how China will work in the world - get ready!
Is the review positive or negative? 