Recommended by Jack Kaysar. Mentioned by Kristof in Thunder from the East.

Lots of information But the individual information does not add up to the total the author desires. Much non critical information is included. The book makes for a excellent conversation starter but certainly does not prove his theory. ( )

By virtue of having some experience as a submariner, Menzies claims special insight into the routes taken by Chinese junks bent on exploration in the early 15th century. We are asked to believe that no record of these extraordinary discoveries is now available owing to a conspiracy to suppress all documents, markers and relics in China and elsewhere, relating to these voyages. It may be noted that Joseph Needham (see above), who was eager to promote Chinese achievements made no mention of the Chinese early discovery of America, or of the Pope of the day having received a little private tutoring from Chinese seamen.
However, a copy of the so-called Kangnido map - the Chinese/Korean chart dating from 1403, which shows Africa with remarkable accuracy - hangs in the South African National Assembly, the country's houses of parliament. This map embroidered on silk was presented by the government of China to the South African state as an act of friendship. Chinese nationals travel to Cape Town to see it as the original is somewhat fragile and is not open to public inspection.
What likely began as a private obsession by Menzies has grown into a considerable and no doubt lucrative publishing enterprise. I recommend that anyone coming into contact with this book (672pp) save themselves many hours of wasted time by disposing of it immediately ( )

This book has interesting theories but should be taken with a grain of salt.

The visuals are often lacking in '1421'.

Menzies lacks historian credentials. ( )

Interesting, if speculative alternative history. As someone who grew up loving In Search Of... I love a good alternative history especially because it covers history I'm generally unfamiliar with i.e. China. That said the book was overly long, and tended to drag in parts ( )