The Journeyer
| Company type | Historical novel |
|---|---|
| Industry | Publishing |
| Founded | 1984 |
| Founder | Gary Jennings |
| Products | Book |
The Journeyer is a historical novel centered on the life of Marco Polo, authored by Gary Jennings and initially released in 1984.
Plot introduction
Marco Polo, heir to the affluent Polo lineage of Venice, faces exile after being wrongly charged with the murder of his lover’s spouse. Subsequently, he embarks on an eastern journey alongside his father and uncle, heading toward the court of Kublai Khan, ruler of the Mongol empire. He spends close to two decades within the empire, ultimately returning home enriched by his extraordinary exploits.
Plot summary
Marco Polo remains the last member of the Polo family residing in Venice after his father and uncles depart overseas, leaving him in the care of his mother. Orphaned at seven, Marco becomes increasingly unruly under the supervision of household attendants Zia Zulia and their servant Michiel. He forms friendships with Venice’s "boat children," a group of canal-dwelling orphans, notably Ubaldo and Doris. His conduct deteriorates further following the flight of Zia Zulia and Michiel amid scandal.
Characters
- Marco Polo – narrator and main character; Venetian merchant who rises to become a courtier in Kubilai Khan’s Mongol empire.
- Nicolò Polo – Marco’s father, notable for his parabolic speech.
- Mafìo Polo – Marco’s uncle; his homosexual orientation repulses Marco. Mafìo suffers insanity after sharing a potion with his lover Achmed, rendering him incapacitated.
- Kubilai Khan – Mongol emperor with an appreciation for Han culture; favors young Marco upon their arrival at his court.
- Nostril – originally named Sinbad, Ali Baba, and Ali-ad-Din; Marco’s slave from Sindh who is later emancipated and weds former Turki princess Mar-Janar.
- Hui-Sheng – Marco’s consort and Min lover; a deaf-mute who dies during childbirth.
- Doris – one of the orphaned “boat children” whom Marco befriends before departing Venice; upon returning two decades later, he marries her daughter.
- Princess Moth – Crown Princess of Baghdad who introduces Marco to Persian delights.
- Mordecai Cartafilo – Jewish Venetian tradesman who escapes incarceration with Marco’s assistance. This alliance provides Marco with support from Jewish communities throughout his travels, suggesting connections to Tzadikim Nistarim.
Release details
- 1984, USA, Atheneum Books (ISBN 978-0689114038)
- 1984, UK, Hutchinson (ISBN 978-0091586508)
- 2006, USA, Forge Books/Tom Doherty Associates (ISBN 978-0765349644)