"1421" Pre-owned Paperback Book

"1421: The Year China Discovered America" is a controversial historical book by Gavin Menzies. In this book, Menzies presents the theory that a Chinese fleet, led by the admiral Zheng He, reached the Americas decades before Christopher Columbus's voyage in 1492. Menzies argues that the Chinese fleet, which sailed under the command of the Ming dynasty, explored and mapped various parts of the world, including the Americas, Africa, and Australia, during the early 15th century. Menzies supports his theory with evidence such as ancient maps, archaeological findings, and historical documents. However, many historians and scholars have criticized his claims, citing a lack of credible evidence and questioning the validity of his interpretations. Overall, "1421" is a thought-provoking book that challenges traditional views of world exploration and raises intriguing questions about the interconnectedness of ancient civilizations. However, it remains highly controversial and is subject to ongoing debate and scrutiny within the academic community.