In Xanadu by William Dalrymple

"In Xanadu" is a travelogue that follows the journey of a young historian and writer as he retraces Marco Polo's route from Jerusalem to the fabled city of Xanadu in Mongolia. Along the way, the author weaves together a rich tapestry of history and adventure, engaging with diverse cultures and landscapes. His travels take him through the Middle East, South Asia, and into the heart of China, offering insights into the complex interplay between past and present, and the enduring allure of one of history's most legendary journeys. The narrative is as much a personal coming-of-age story as it is a homage to the spirit of exploration and discovery.

The 3226th greatest book of all time


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Total Points: 153

Since this book was first published in 1989, there is a penalty of 24.0%. The age adjusted score is 116.28.

This is to prevent newer books from reaching super high on the ranked list of the greatest books of all time. The greatest books should also stand the test of time.