Seven voyages : how China's treasure fleet conquered the sea

Title:

Author:

Bergreen, Laurence, author.

Publication Information:

New York : Roaring Brook Press, 2021.

Edition:

First edition.

Format:

Books

Physical Description:

168 pages : illustrations, maps ; 24 cm.

Summary:

"The central coast of China, 1405. At nearly seven feet tall, Admiral Zheng He looked out at the sea before him. For the next three decades, the oceans would be his home, as he would command over 1,500 ships and thousands of sailors in seven journeys that would predate the heart of the European Age of Exploration. Over his seven epic journeys, Zheng He explored the Northern Pacific and Indian Oceans, traveling as far as the east coast of Africa, expanding Chinese power globally, warring with pirates, and capturing enemies along the way in the name of his emperor, Zhu Di." -- Dust jacket.

Personal Subject:

Zheng, He, 1371-1435-Travel.

Subject Term:

Explorers -- China -- Biography.

Genre:

Biographies.

Added Author:

Fray, Sara,

ISBN:

9781626721227

Document ID:

SD_ILS:4462370

Availability:

Library	Call Number	Format	Status	Item Holds
Searching... Braintree Thayer Public Library	ZHENG	J BOOK	Searching... Unknown	Searching... Unavailable
Searching... Holbrook Public Library	951.02 BER	J BOOK	Searching... Unknown	Searching... Unavailable
Searching... Kingston Public Library	951 BER	J BOOK	Searching... Unknown	Searching... Unavailable
Searching... Milton Public Library	JB ZHENG, H. BER	J BOOK	Searching... Unknown	Searching... Unavailable
Searching... Quincy Thomas Crane Library	951.02 BER	J BOOK	Searching... Unknown	Searching... Unavailable
Searching... Randolph Turner Free Library	BIO ZHENG	J BOOK	Searching... Unknown	Searching... Unavailable
Searching... Scituate Town Library	ZHENG BER 2021	BOOK	Searching... Unknown	Searching... Unavailable
Searching... Sharon Public Library	951.02 BER	J BOOK	Searching... Unknown	Searching... Unavailable
Searching... Stoughton Public Library	951.026 BER	BOOK	Searching... Unknown	Searching... Unavailable

Bound With These Titles

On Order

Summary

From New York Times bestselling author Laurence Bergreen and author Sara Fray comes this immaculately researched history for young readers detailing the life of Zheng He, his complex and enduring friendship with his emperor, and the epic Seven Voyages he led that would establish China as a global power.

1405. The central coast of China.

At nearly seven feet tall, Admiral Zheng He looked out at the sea before him.

For the next three decades, the oceans would be his home, as he would command over 1,500 ships and thousands of sailors in seven journeys that would predate the heart of the European Age of Exploration. Over his seven epic journeys, Zheng He explored the Northern Pacific and Indian Oceans, traveling as far as the east coast of Africa, expanding Chinese power globally, warring with pirates, and capturing enemies along the way in the name of his emperor, Zhu Di. But this giant figure was not always at the helm of a ship.

Reviews (2)

School Library Journal Review

Gr 5--8--Chinese history is often glossed over in world history curriculums, so this work is one that will interest real history buffs. Geared to sophisticated middle and high school readers, Bergreen and Fray's work opens with a vivid and exciting narration, grabbing readers as if embarking on an adventure novel, instead of a history book. The text quickly sinks into a litany of facts as the authors describe Zhu Di's climb to power as the Yongle Emperor during the Ming dynasty. The narration ebbs and flows, tedious at times, exciting at others as it delves into the various voyages of Zheng He and how his expansion of trade brought much power to the Chinese empire. The title is sparsely illustrated; the lack makes this a text-heavy title, which may disappoint young readers drawn to photos and illustrations. VERDICT This isn't a title for reluctant readers, but libraries looking to expand their coverage of Chinese history would do well to add this book to their collection.--Esther Keller, I.S. 278, Brooklyn

Booklist Review

Children raised on Columbus' derring-do will be surprised to learn that, a century before he arrived in this country, the Chinese armada had ships four times bigger than European colonists' vessels. Bergreen and Fray (Over the Edge of the World, 2009) detail the life of Zheng He, a seven-foot-tall man whose destiny became intertwined with China's when he was captured and transformed into a royal eunuch (the procedure is matter-of-factly described). The rest of Zheng's life was devoted to making Emperor Zhu Di a fearsome leader, with Zheng helming a huge fleet--its needs stretched the emperor's vast resources to breaking point--that braved seven voyages to import riches and conquer surrounding lands. The research for this book must have been as formidable as the voyages, with the authors covering everything from Chinese daily life in the 1400s to shipbuilding and regional politics. It's never overwhelming, though, since as well as being fascinating on their own, these facts contextualize the swashbuckling drama. Independent readers interested in history or the military are the natural audience for this, but it would also be useful for a broad range of topics, from those on worldwide food and clothing to studies of the built environment.

Quincy Thomas Crane Library

Availability:

Bound With These Titles

On Order

Summary

Summary

Reviews (2)

School Library Journal Review

Booklist Review