5.0 out of 5 stars he must be very pleased with himself to be able to have observed all ...

B.L. · 9 February 2016

(function() { P.when('cr-A', 'ready').execute(function(A) { if(typeof A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel === 'function') { A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel('review_text_read_more', 'Read more of this review', 'Read less of this review'); } }); })(); .review-text-read-more-expander:focus-visible { outline: 2px solid #2162a1; outline-offset: 2px; border-radius: 5px; } A phantastic book! I travelled every inch with William, and Laura or Lucy. I will read it again....look at the Taj Mahahl now with different eyes...he must be very pleased with himself to be able to have observed all this minutea in the Muslim cultural development at such a young age, twenty two. And his sense of humour shines throughout the book and makes it so readable..love you , William..Brigitte

4.0 out of 5 stars A delightful story of a fascinating quest

T.D. · 30 September 2013

William Dalrymple tells the fascinating story of his attempt to follow, as closely as possible, the route Marco Polo took (in 1271) from Jerusalem to Kubla Khan's legendary summer Palace of Xanadu, close to today's Beijing.Marco Polo's route had, apparently, never been successfully followed: Afghanistan in the 19th century was considered too dangerous whilst, when China began opening up in the early 1980s, Afghanistan was closed because of the Soviet invasion. When WD set out on his overland journey in 1987 travelling through Iran and Syria was actively `discouraged' whilst the (then newly opened) mountain road from Pakistan runs close to some highly sensitive and militarily-restricted areas of China.William Dalrymple tells a frequently amusing story of the trials and tribulations he and his companions encountered on the journey. He clearly has an in-depth knowledge of the history, religions and cultures of the countries they passed through and this, plus his humour and style of writing, makes the book a highly enjoyable read. Their attempts to disguise themselves as locals - in order to avoid too many questions from Tehran's religious community and, a little later, from the Chinese military - are both colourful and amusing. Particularly the time they spent attempting to hide in a load of coal being carried by (what else?) a coal lorry...The knowledge that they finally reach Xanadu won't spoil the story and the way the last part of the journey was 'wangled' is close to hilarious. But, although they were forbidden to take photographs, they managed to 'lift' a piece of a roof tile which was subsequently dated as being a 13th century Mongol artifact; it came close to establishing that they'd successfully reached the remains of Xanadu.Just one criticism. The Kindle copy would be vastly improved by a map of the route they took...Why only four stars? I've recently read the first two parts of Patrick Leigh Fermor's journey on foot, in 1933/34 and when he was 18, from the Hook of Holland to Constantinople. I found it impossible not to compare Leigh Fermor's style of writing, his knowledge of the history, religion and culture of the areas he travels through with that of William Dalrymple and, on that (probably very unfair) basis, 'In Xanadu' gains four stars whilst Patrick Leigh Fermor's trilogy - the third part has just been published - justifiably deserves that extra star.

5.0 out of 5 stars Liable to make one search out all his later books

A.C. · 5 January 2019

A fresh impressive & enjoyable account of a journey from Middle East to China. I'd never laughed as much reading a travel book - which also provided great contemporary history of these countries.

5.0 out of 5 stars Miss it at your peril

M. · 29 August 2014

Reading this for the second time around, hilarious and intelligently written packed with wonderful detail, you and I are unlikely to be able to make this journey ourselves, and since it was written the scenes of some of the text have been altered beyond recognition - Aleppo, Syria for example.Fantastic read!William Dalrymple ROCKS!

5.0 out of 5 stars An enjoyable read - this journey would be impossible today ...

M. · 22 November 2015

An enjoyable read - this journey would be impossible today. My interest was sparked by reading in our newspaper about a lady director at M &S who is one of the candidates for the top job there. That lady was Laura. I bet there must be some difficult sessions around the table at board meetings at M 7S with Laura present.

3.0 out of 5 stars a trip from the Mediterean to Peking

S.S. · 11 February 2014

Picaresque, a little puerile or studenticose. But well worth reading. Book gives many pictures of famous buildings in Asia and aa pleasant story about a very frugal voyage.

4.0 out of 5 stars A good read but can be boring in places

A.D. · 21 July 2022

Real life storey of a man, with a companion trying to copy a journey across Asia from over a thousand years previous.Its a good book but I did find it hard to follow at times. I do dislike the going and frying of time.

5.0 out of 5 stars wonderful

m. · 10 March 2014

A most wonderful story of adventure and courage, crossing Asia in search of Marco Polo' Xanadu. Beautiful writing and cinematographic images. Definitely a must read.

in xanadu

t. · 8 April 2013

(function() { P.when('cr-A', 'ready').execute(function(A) { if(typeof A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel === 'function') { A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel('review_text_read_more', 'Read more of this review', 'Read less of this review'); } }); })(); .review-text-read-more-expander:focus-visible { outline: 2px solid #2162a1; outline-offset: 2px; border-radius: 5px; } excellent auteur. authentique dans sa documentation. Tous ses livres sont passionnants pour les personnes intéressées par l'Orient. Je le recommande.

A wonderful road trip!

R.N. · 6 October 2018

As a long time fan of William Dalrymple's writings and TV specials, I was surprised to discover Xanadu and find that it was his 1st published book. Once again, as with others of his books, within the first page or two I found myself delighted and engrossed with Dalrymple's writings - in this combined historical and personal travel story. Others have said it before -- witty, intelligent, observant, a scenic word feast, etc. etc. I enthusiastically recommend this book (and other Dalrymples) to those who love reading, history and travel stories!

Definitely suggested!

L. · 29 April 2020

Perfect timing and great quality, will definitely place more orders! Thanks!

Americanah

M.F. · 11 September 2013

She is a very good writer with beautiful imagery. However I did not enjoy this novel as much as "Half a yellow sun" and "Purple hibiscus". There's too much emphasis on sexual r elationships.

The journey to Xanadu

M.M. · 2 June 2025

Xanadu for me as a child was where Mandrake lived. Reading this book like being on the journey with the author after a long time I could feel, smell and experienced it.Worth reading for learning , motivation and pleasure, Author gave me a new perspective about what passion can do and that if you want to achieve focus and don’t give up in any circumstances.