1434, by Gavin Menzies. 1st edition 2008. S/C. 368 pp.

1434 - The year a magnificent Chinese fleet sailed to Italy and ignited the Renaissance.

Compelling new evidence that traces the roots of the European Renaissance to Chinese exploration in the fifteen century. Textbooks tells us that the Renaissance came about as a result of a re-discovery of the ideas and ideals of classical Greece and Rome. But Gavin Menzies makes the startling argument that in the year 1434 China - then the world's most technologically advanced civilisation - provided the spark that set the Renaissance ablaze. With beautiful colour and black and white illustrations.

First published 2008 by HarperCollinsPublishers, London. Condition: Excellent. Ex-library book with plastic on cover.