Marco Polo's famous book about his journey to China, written in 1298, continues to be a subject of considerable controversy. Many question his credibility, concentrating on things that it is argued he should have seen and noted but did not. The most serious of these supposed omissions are generally said to be his failure to describe the Chinese writing system, tea, foot-binding and the Great Wall of China. This book re-examines Marco Polo's writings, arguing that what he does mention is impressive and argues strongly for his veracity. Stephen Haw clarifies Marco Polo's itineraries in China and puts forth several new identifications of places mentioned, in addition to elucidating many of his observations, especially those of plants and animals. The research is augmented by first-hand accounts and the author's wide knowledge of the flora and fauna of China. Presenting a convincing argument the book concludes that Marco Polo's work is an accurate, important and useful source from an extraordinary period of Chinese history.