Helpful Score: 5
I usually don't read non-fiction, but I saw this book on sale at the bookstore and decided to give it a chance. I picked it up and was fascinated by Menzie's almost conversational style as he meticulously laid out the facts that countered the Euro-centric history American schools teach us. While I've known for years that Columbus discovered America quite by accident, I did not know the extent of exploration of the United States and the world prior to the late 1400s. This book is very well researched, but it doesn't read like typical non-fiction, so even those who, like me, typically avoid it, will enjoy the book. This book is a must read for anyone who likes history and/or challenging the false history s/he has been taught.
Helpful Score: 3
I did not know quite what to expect when I got this book, but it turned out to be a very interesting read. He makes a very good case that the Chinese were world travelers long before the Europeans took to the seas in any numbers. The evidence that he presents about Chinese influence in a great number of places around the world is very compelling and the book is a great read. I think he does try to strech the evidence in a couple of place, but overall a great read.
