The Great Voyages of Zheng He
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4.3 • 3 Ratings
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- $4.99
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- $4.99
Publisher Description
Imagine looking out to sea and watching over three hundred gargantuan ships, their flaming red sails caught in the wind,
approaching your shore. What wonders of the world would be found on those ships?
Over 600 hundred years ago, Emperor Zhu Di of China decided to build the greatest naval fleet the world had ever seen to
befriend and trade with countries throughout Asia and Africa. The admiral of this diplomatic and treasure-gathering fleet was
a brilliant and peace-loving man named Zheng He.
Between 1405 and 1431, Zheng He led seven voyages of the treasure fleets, each bringing a message of friendship and peace between
China and the other countries of the world. Through his leadership, these expeditions extended China’s influence and brought it
great treasures in trade and tribute, making China the first world superpower.
In this account of Zheng He’s amazing life, award-winning author and illustrator Demi recreates the grandeur and enthusiasm of
these naval voyages with her signature detailed artwork. She introduces us to this larger-than-life figure who “dreamed of
a world where the best of mankind was peacefully shared and celebrated, a world of intellectual growth and religious tolerance,
and a world of everlasting, worldwide peace.”
• Fixed layout presentation that mirrors the visual reading experience found in a printed picture book.
• Supports text searches, dictionary & wikipedia lookups.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Demi's account of 15th-century Chinese explorer Zheng He is enlivened by images of the dazzling wealth his fleet carried back to China: "Precious ambergris used for medicine, cowrie shells, sapphires, rubies, oriental topaz, and Persian carpets filled the Forbidden City." His 62 "Treasure Ships" were the largest the world had ever seen, but Zheng He also displayed a wealth of intellect and imagination that allowed him to embrace religious tolerance and open-mindedness an attitude that might have had its source in his status as a Muslim in China. After a war in Ceylon, a statue he erected there "addressed Buddha, Shiva, and Allah, offering thanks for their compassion and moral virtue." Demi's skill as a biographer is on display, with details and context that add life and clarity. Her Persian miniature like illustrations teach, too, showing the building of one of the fleet's ships and a portrait of Zheng He's burial at sea. It's especially valuable as a portrait of a hero whose adventures were driven not by the hunger to conquer, but by a desire simply to know and be known. Ages 8 up.
Customer Reviews
WOW. Awesome book!
Wow. What a fantastic book! I would highly recommend this book for both children and adults. I didn't even know about Zheng He until I read this book and I was amazed to learn about his significant role in diplomacy, trade, politics, religion, and more! In a time when Europe was still in the dark ages, China was truly flourishing - and a great deal of it was due to the voyages Zheng He made aboard his magnificent fleet! In addition, the art by Demi is outstanding! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED