Monday, July 27, 2026
Sunday, July 26, 2026
Conn Iggulden is an amazing writer--from Rome, to Genghiz Khan and his descendents, to War of the Roses, to Athens--
he started writing on a borrowed computer in the corridor of his father-in-law's office, and is descended from Irish wandering storytellers--it shows--believe you me.
His books are what most historical fiction writers would give their right hands and half their brains to write like.
He takes you right there.
The early years of Genghiz Khan, the very difficult childhood after his tribe abandons their mother and the children after his father Yesugei was poisoned, and his doubt about his eldest son Jochi's paternity after his wife Borte was kidnapped--because the rest of the family left her behind--are some of the most moving portions.
Also Genghis, i.e. Temujin's, rise to the top.
The battle scenes are also amazing.
The last book on Kublai Khan though is a bit of a disappointment, because although it shows Bagan on both the front and back covers, it stops before the Mongol incursion into Burma--which Marco Polo might have come along on--
at least he mentions it in his Travels.
I highly recommend Conn Iggulden's novels.
I've only read the volume about Caesar in his Emperor series and only one each in his War of Roses and Athens series, so I can't comment.
I am really more interested in non-Western, non-European, non-American novels--
A female cousin likes to read about the Tudors--
I like the rebels--and am more interested for instance in Russian history.
I can't realy "read the whole world" though I loved Aztec by Gary Jennings and wierd coincidence,I got off one carriage on the Red Line metro and stepped into another to change trains and I saw 2 difft people reading Aztec in 15 minutes.
But these days you can't see what people are reading bc they are maybe reading e-books.
You can watch on planes on other people's TV screens--silent movies with the sound turned off.
But it reminds me too much of watching Mulan while getting intravenous chemo.
Oh,and also the medical instructions tell you Not to eat your favorite foods while on chemo bc you will end up hating those foods.
It's like my sister's mentor in the Commerce Dept. telling his wife to cook foods he hated while he was trying to lose weight.
Cheers,
May this day be a good reading and writing day for you,
Kyi May Kaung
7-26-2026
The one book I am missing in Conn Iggulden's Conqueror series--Genghis Khan series
"Wolf of the Plains" is the first book in Conn Iggulden's Conqueror series, focusing on the early life of Genghis Khan and his rise from hardship to power.
Overview of the Book
"Wolf of the Plains," published in 2007, is a historical novel that serves as the opening installment of the Conqueror series. The narrative centers around Temujin, who would later become known as Genghis Khan. The story begins with Temujin's childhood, detailing the challenges he faces after the assassination of his father, Yesugei, the khan of the Wolves tribe. Following his father's death, Temujin and his family are banished from their tribe and left to survive in the harsh Mongolian steppes WikipediaWikipedia+1.
Plot Highlights
Survival and Leadership: The novel explores Temujin's struggle for survival alongside his mother and siblings. They face starvation and threats from rival tribes, which forces Temujin to develop remarkable leadership skills and gather other outcasts to form a new tribe WikipediaWikipedia+1.
Vision of Unity: Throughout his hardships, Temujin dreams of uniting the fragmented tribes of Mongolia into a single nation, a vision that shapes his future as a leader GoodreadsGoodreads+1.
Author Background
Conn Iggulden, a bestselling author known for his historical fiction, wrote "Wolf of the Plains" after completing his Emperor series about Julius Caesar. His research for this book included travels to Mongolia, which enriched the authenticity of the narrative WikipediaWikipedia+1. Iggulden's storytelling is noted for its engaging style, making historical figures and events accessible to readers Amazon.com.auAmazon.com.au.
Reception
The book has been well-received for its vivid portrayal of Genghis Khan's early life and the challenges he overcame. Readers appreciate Iggulden's ability to blend historical facts with compelling storytelling, making it a recommended read for both history enthusiasts and fiction lovers alike GoodreadsGoodreads+1.
In summary, "Wolf of the Plains" is not just a tale of survival; it is the beginning of a legendary journey that would lead to the creation of one of the largest empires in history.
My Blog Hits Champions--Alaungsithu Su Taung translated by Luce got 219 blog hits
followed by Cambodian history in high 30s.
Who were the Umbri--
Copilot Search Branding
The Umbri — Ancient Italic Tribes of Central Italy
The Umbri were an Italic people of the Iron Age, attested in inner central Italy roughly between the middle Tiber River and the central Apennines Wikipedia. Their territory, now part of the modern region of Umbria, was bordered by the Tiber and Nar rivers and included the Apennine slopes on the Adriatic coast Wikipedia. Most Umbrian settlements were on hilltops for defense, and their language belonged to the Osco-Umbrian branch of the Italic languages, closely related to Oscan Wikipedia+1.
Origins and Identity
Ancient sources differ on their origins. Herodotus (5th century BCE) claimed they lived before a supposed Lydian migration into Italy, but modern scholars reject this as myth Wikipedia. Roman and Greek writers often linked them to Gaulish or Celtic peoples — for example, Cato the Elder called them “progenitors of the Gauls,” and Plutarch suggested a connection to the northern Ambrones tribe Wikipedia+1. The name may have meant “people of the thunderstorm” (from Greek hombrós), a folk-etymology tied to surviving a great flood Wikipedia.
Historical Development
Initially occupying a broad swathe of central and northern Italy — from the Apennines to Ravenna, Mantua, Ancona, and the Tyrrhenian coast north of the Fiora River — the Umbri were gradually pushed south and east by Etruscans and Gauls Wikipedia+1. By about 400 BCE, they were confined to Sabina and the Apennine valleys Britannica.
They were agriculturalists with few large towns, and their culture was influenced by Etruscan contact, as seen in their alphabet and ritual texts like the Iguvine Tables Britannica+1. The Umbri were never major rivals to Rome; in the Social War (90–89 BCE), they joined the rebellion late and were among the first to make peace Britannica.
Cultural and Linguistic Legacy
The Umbri’s language, Umbrian, is now extinct but is studied through inscriptions and ritual texts. They are also linked to the Sabellian expansion, with some Sabine and Samnite tribes possibly originating from Umbrian stock Everything Explained Today. Archaeological sites in southern Umbria, such as Terni, show Late Bronze Age to Early Iron Age cultures Everything Explained Today.
In summary: The Umbri were an ancient Italic tribe of central Italy, with possible Celtic or Gaulish roots, who lived in hilltop settlements, spoke an Osco-Umbrian language, and were eventually absorbed or displaced by Etruscans and Gauls, leaving a lasting cultural and linguistic legacy in the region.
Saturday, July 25, 2026
Friday, July 24, 2026
Marco Polo’s journeys have inspired both historical fiction novels and his own travel writings, offering readers vivid accounts of 13th-century Asia.
Historical Fiction Inspired by Marco Polo
Several authors have fictionalized Marco Polo’s adventures, blending historical events with imaginative storytelling:
Marco Polo by Laurence Bergreen – A richly detailed novel capturing Polo’s travels through Asia, his interactions with Kublai Khan, and the grandeur of the Mongol Empire, combining historical research with engaging prose bookstoreadonline.combookstoreadonline.com.
The Travels of Marco Polo (Historical Fiction Adaptation) by Ruskin Bond – A modern retelling emphasizing Polo’s personal growth and the diverse cultures he encounters, making the story accessible and heartfelt bookstoreadonline.combookstoreadonline.com.
Marco Polo and the Ruby Princess by Michelle Moran – A tale of love, intrigue, and political alliances set against Polo’s travels, dramatizing his role in historical diplomacy bookstoreadonline.combookstoreadonline.com.
Other notable historical fiction works explore Polo’s adventures, the Silk Road, and the cultural exchanges of his era, offering readers immersive experiences of medieval Asia bookstoreadonline.combookstoreadonline.com+1.
Marco Polo’s Own Writings
The most famous primary source is The Travels of Marco Polo, also known as Il Milione or The Book of the Marvels of the World. Written in the 13th century by Rustichello da Pisa from Polo’s accounts, it chronicles his travels from 1271 to 1295, including his time at Kublai Khan’s court and journeys across China, Mongolia, India, and other regions WikipediaWikipedia+1. The book is divided into four sections:
Middle East and Central Asia on the way to China
China and Kublai Khan’s court
Coastal regions of the East, including Japan, India, Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia, and East Africa
Mongol wars and northern regions like Russia
Polo’s vivid descriptions of customs, traditions, and exotic landscapes made the book a popular success and influenced European cartography, including maps used by explorers like Columbus WikipediaWikipedia+1.
Recommended Reading Lists
For readers interested in exploring Marco Polo through novels and historical accounts, curated lists highlight the best books:
17 Best Marco Polo Historical Fiction Books – Includes Bergreen, Bond, Moran, and others that bring Polo’s journeys to life bookstoreadonline.combookstoreadonline.com.
20 Best Books on Marco Polo – Offers a mix of historical fiction and nonfiction, providing insights into his travels and the medieval world paulfinchauthor.compaulfinchauthor.com.
Goodreads Collection – Marco Polo has over 345 books listed, with The Travels being the most popular GoodreadsGoodreads.
These resources provide a wide range of options for both historical enthusiasts and readers seeking adventure narratives inspired by Marco Polo’s legendary journeys.
bookstoreadonline.com
bookstoreadonline.com
17 Best Marco Polo Historical Fiction Books
paulfinchauthor.com
paulfinchauthor.com
20 best books on marco polo - 2023 reading list & recommendations
bookstoreadonline.com
paulfinchauthor.com
Wikipedia
Show All
Global web icon
bookstoreadonline.com
https://www.bookstoreadonline.com
17 Best Marco Polo Historical Fiction Books
Aug 12, 2025 · Historical fiction based on his life brings the past to life, offering readers a vivid glimpse of distant lands, cultures, and …
Images of Novels based on Marco Polo
Marco Polo Travel Book
Traveling
Family
Original
Cover
Marco Polo China.Book
Marco Polo
Kids
Writing
The Travels of Marco Polo: Marco Polo, Ronald Latham: 9780140440577 ...
The Travels of Marco Polo by Marco Polo | Goodreads
The Travels of Marco Polo: Polo, Marco: 9789363114166: Amazon.com: Books
Marco Polo Books at Preston Lamb blog
Marco Polo (Great Explorers): Ladybird Books: 9780721405568: Amazon.com ...
17 Best Marco Polo Historical Fiction Books - bookstoreadonline.com
Marco Polo – Delphi Classics
Marco Polo: The historic adventure based on the television spectacular ...
The Travels of Marco Polo: The Venetian by Marco Polo, William Marsden ...
Buy a Marco Polo Online in Australia from Sydney Based Boatbooks-aust ...
Marco Polo: From Venice to Xanadu: Bergreen, Laurence: 9781400078806 ...
Marco Polo Books at Preston Lamb blog
Marco Polo Books at Preston Lamb blog
Travels Of Marco Polo by Marco Polo, Paperback, 9780451529510 | Buy ...
Amazon.com: Marco Polo: The Journey That Changed the World ...
Marco Polo: History's Great Adventurer (Historical Notebooks): Twist ...
Scrolled 0%
See all images
Global web icon
paulfinchauthor.com
https://paulfinchauthor.com
20 best books on marco polo - 2023 reading list & recommendations
Nov 18, 2023 · Are you fascinated by the adventures of Marco Polo? Do you want to delve deeper into the fascinating life of this …
Global web icon
Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki
The Travels of Marco Polo - Wikipedia
OverviewHistoryContentsLegacySubsequent versionsAuthenticity and veracityOther travelersFurther reading
The Travels of Marco Polo, also known as The Book of the Marvels of the World (French: Livres des Merveilles du Monde) and by its Italian name Il Milione ("The Million"), is a 13th-century travelogue written down by Rustichello da Pisa from stories told by the Venetian explorer Marco Polo. It describes Polo's travels through Asia between 1271 and 1295, and his experiences at the court of Kublai Khan.
Wikipedia · Text under CC-BY-SA license
Global web icon
Goodreads
https://www.goodreads.com › shelf › show
Marco Polo Books - Goodreads
“The map of the world is drawn by travelers and nomads. Built into it are steps, nights and days, stations and encounters.”
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com › shop › the travels of marco polo by marco polo
About our ads
The Travels Of Marco Polo By Marco Polo | Adventurous Fiction Novels
Sponsored
Get Deals and Low Prices On The Travels Of Marco Polo By Marco Polo At Amazon. Choose From a Variety Of Specialty Travel Books Related To Business, Budget and More.
Best Books of 2026 So Far
Amazon Deals
Editors’ Picks
Children's Books
Best Books So Far
Audible
https://www.audible.com
About our ads
Marco Polo Audiobook - By John Man
Sponsored
Gain Access To The Largest Audiobook Catalog For Endless Entertainment This Spring. In Addition, Members Receive An Extra 30% Off All Audiobooks. Get Hooked On Audible Today!
Fan Favorite Titles · Members Save 30% · Always Fresh Selection · Over 760k Audio Titles
Everand
https://www.everand.com
About our ads
Marco Polo Books - Read for 30 days
Sponsored
Get Access To Millions Of Ebooks, Audiobooks, Podcasts, And More. Read Free For 30 Days. All The Titles You Love In One Monthly Subscription. Try Free For 30 Days.
Join Millions of Readers · Exclusive Original Titles · Celebrity Narrators
More searches about this subject
Marco Polo book original
Marco Polo travel guide books
best books about Marco Polo
Marco Polo books in order
book written by Marco Polo
who wrote marco polo's book
adventures of Marco Polo book
Marco Polo first book
1
2
3
Hsinbyushin vs The Chinese "pauk hpaw"
Copilot Search Branding
Hsinbyushin vs. China in 1767
In 1767, King Hsinbyushin of the Konbaung dynasty in Burma (Myanmar) was engaged in a major war with the Qing dynasty of China, part of a series of four invasions launched between 1765 and 1769 HistoryMaps.
Context
By 1767, Hsinbyushin had already:
Defeated two earlier Qing invasions (1765–1766 and 1766–1767) at the border HistoryMaps.
Defeated the Burmese–Siamese War (1765–1767), capturing Ayutthaya in April 1767 and deporting thousands of prisoners Wikipedia+1.
Expanded into Laos and Manipur, and was preparing for further campaigns Wikipedia+1.
The Qing, under the Qianlong Emperor, saw Hsinbyushin’s expansion into the Shan states, Laos, and Lan Na as a threat and launched a third invasion in late 1767 HistoryMaps.
The 1767–1768 Campaign
The Qing forces, led by elite Manchu Bannermen, advanced deep into central Burma, reaching within a few days’ march of the capital Ava HistoryMaps.
Hsinbyushin redeployed his armies from Siam to meet the Chinese threat HistoryMaps.
The Qing forces struggled with tropical terrain, endemic diseases, and unfamiliar conditions, suffering heavy losses HistoryMaps.
Burmese troops, though outnumbered, managed to push the Qing back, though the invasion came close to a major Burmese defeat HistoryMaps.
Outcome
The third invasion failed to secure a Qing victory; the Qing withdrew after heavy casualties HistoryMaps.
A truce was reached in December 1769, with both sides maintaining heavy border garrisons for about a decade HistoryMaps.
The war preserved Burmese independence but kept the kingdom heavily militarized, contributing to later rebellions Wikipedia+1.
In summary: In 1767, Hsinbyushin successfully defended against the Qing third invasion, preventing a major loss of territory, but the campaign was a close-run thing. The near-disaster forced him to shift resources from Siam, and the war set the stage for continued border tensions for years.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)