Stories of Adventure, As Told

Edward E. Hale invites young readers into a world where books open the door to adventure, discovery, and the farthest reaches of history. Around Colonel Ingham's fireside, the children of the "Alpine Club" learn that curiosity is the first step toward knowledge, as Uncle Fritz steers their talk from travel and storytelling to Marco Polo, the Great Kaan, and the wonders hidden in old books. Marco's life is traced from his family's long journey eastward to his own extraordinary travels, his observations of Persia and the Three Kings, and the prison cell where his famous narrative was born. From there the book expands into the grandeur and danger of Mongol power, including Cublay Khan's swift response to rebellion, the massive battle with Nayan, and the ruler's surprising justice and organization, even in the imperial postal system. The collection also broadens into language, migration, and exploration among Native American peoples, while another harsh expedition story follows travelers battling cold, hunger, broken sledges, and betrayal in the wilderness. Throughout, the book blends history, geography, faith, and adventure into a lively education in how reading can carry the imagination across continents and centuries. This edition has been fully restored with modern typesetting, custom cover design.