Part 3/9:
The Debate: Did Marco Polo Really Reach China?
Frances Wood, a British Library scholar, expresses doubt regarding the authenticity of Polo’s travels in her book "Did Marco Polo Go to China?" asserting that he may not have ventured beyond Constantinople. This casts a shadow over his credibility, raising the possibility that he could be a mere compiler of second-hand stories, unworthy of being an explorer in his own right.
In contrast, those who defend Polo's claims highlight his remarkably precise descriptions of various subjects and the ability to corroborate his observations with Chinese records. This contradiction has fueled centuries of debate, wherein some dismiss him as a fabricator while others advocate for his experiences.