Hey everyone all around this watered world, Lhasla Montgomery again with the 94th episode of the China history podcast.

We're going to finish off this whole jung-heu overview and take a look at Gavin Menzie's contribution to the historical discourse

about this time, early 15th century late Middle Ages to pre-European Renaissance.

Now I have to admit before waiting into the world of Gavin Menzies, I had no idea who

he was or about the details he espouses in his two books.

I believed they had something to do with Junhe's fleets

Discovering America or something like that. Truthfully though I passed these books

in a hundred airports and bookstores around the US and Asia.

I knew there was one called 1421 the year China discovered the world or discovered America.

And a sequel that came out later called 1434, the year a magnificent Chinese fleet sailed to Italy

and ignited the Renaissance. For whatever reason it didn't quite peak my interest

enough or intrigued me enough to buy them.

I knew nothing about any controversy over his findings.

When I began thinking about doing a series on Junheh, I figured why not go and read Gavin Menzie's two books and then bring them

into the story. So last Hong Kong trip I picked them up and did a thorough skim job

of both.

Many of you have perhaps already read 1421 and 1434.

The evidence presented is very, very compelling. And besides all that the story of the whole period is also presented

it in a fine way I must add both volumes remain staples at any international airport newsstand or bookshop.

1421 came out in 2002 and Gavin Menzies followed up in 2008 with 1434.

I checked out everything I could find on Gavin Menzies and what his side of the story was

and what his detractors said. This guy has had everything and everything thrown at him. I read his book as well. I was convinced if all he said was true.

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