Greetings and welcome to the 1421 newsletter for December 2006!

As ever, it has been a busy year for us all here at 1421 HQ in London.
Nonetheless, to everyone else out there, there may appear to have been a slight lull in activities. This could not however be further from the truth:

New book
We have in fact been busily working away in the library researching for a new book. The idea for the book was triggered by a research paper sent to us by Tai-Peng Wang, describing Zheng He's delegation's visit to the Papal Court of Florence in 1433. Tai Peng's report can be read here


We cannot divulge a lot more information at the moment but are hoping that the book will be ready for publication in late 2007. We are sure it is going to be a cracker!

However, we have not been the only ones beavering away!

Dr. Gunnar Thompson
Gunnar has been a long term friend of the 1421 team. His latest book, recently published, is entitled Secret Voyages to the New World. It features nine true adventure stories from the forbidden chronicles of American discovery, describing those of King Solomon, Queen Hatshepsut, Marco Polo, Zheng He, Queen Elizabeth, Francis Drake, Amerigo Vespucci, and many more. It features ancient maps, newly- found clues, private manuscripts, artefacts, and ships all woven into true-life tales of daring discovery by the secret sailors. It showcases the epic voyages that changed the world forever, providing thrilling entertainment for general readers and revealing embarrassing facts that the pros have missed.
For more information please visit www.marc opolovoyages.com
ISBN: 978-0-9788916-0- 2 Price: $40 US plus shipping--surface $10 US, air $20 US


Professors Emeritus John L. Sorenson and Carl L. Johannessen
“Biological evidence for pre-Columbian transoceanic voyages,” in Contact and Exchange in the Ancient World, ed. Victor H. Mair (Honolulu: University of Hawai’i Press, 2006), 238-297).
Abstract: Examination of an extensive literature has revealed conclusive evidence that nearly 100 species of plants, a majority of them cultivars, were present in both the Eastern and Western Hemispheres prior to Columbus’ first voyage to the Americas. The evidence comes from archaeological, historical and linguistic sources, ancient art, and conventional natural science studies.

Additionally, 21 species of micro-predators and seven other species of fauna were shared by the Old and New Worlds. The evidence further suggests the desirability of additional study of up to at least 75 other organisms as probably or possibly bi-hemispheric in pre- Columbian times.

This distribution could not have been due merely to natural transfer mechanisms, nor can it be explained by early human migrations to the New World via the Bering Strait route. Well over half the plant transfers consisted of flora of American origin that spread to Eurasia or Oceania.

The only plausible explanation for these findings is that a considerable number of transoceanic voyages in both directions across both major oceans were completed between the seventh millennium BC and the European age of discovery. Scientists’ growing knowledge of early maritime technology and its accomplishments increasingly gives us confidence that vessels and nautical skills capable of the long-distance travels implied were indeed developed by the times indicated. These voyages put a new complexion on the extensive Old World/New World cultural parallels that have long been considered controversial.

Since their essay was submitted for publication, they have added to the data, discussion, and documentation. For a book-length expansion and revision, please see, by the same authors, Scientific Evidence for Pre-Columbian Transoceanic Voyages to and from America, (Sino- Platonic Papers 133 {April 2004}, CD-ROM edition {Philadelphia; University of Pennsylvania, Department of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies; for a complete catalog of SINO-PLATONIC PAPERS and information about ordering, go to www.sino-platonic.org
Further expansion is given in a book manuscript {seeking a publisher}, Biology Verifies Ancient Voyages, by Sorenson and Johannessen.)

Drs. Tan Ta Sen and Dr. Chia Lin Sien
The Zheng He Epic or Zheng He Si Shi (郑和 史诗) (English version) is edited by Drs. Tan Ta Sen and Dr. Chia Lin Sien. It is a large coffee table book (366 pages) with numerous pictorials showing authentic photos of actual historical sites, artefacts, documents and painting/drawings of historical figures and scenes related to Zheng He. The Chinese version of the book was published in May 2005 jointly by Yunnan People’s Publishing Co., Yunnan Fine Arts Publishers and Aurora Publishing Co. and was supported by the International Zheng He Society and Drs. Tan Ta Sen personally.

The book traces the personal history and exploits of Zheng He and his ancestors who were Muslims who had emigrated to China at least a century before the birth of Zheng He. His grandfather, Ma Haji, and father were both high- ranked officials of the Yuan Dynasty. There are details of his birthplace in Kunming (Yunnan) and Nanjing where he served as a high official in the employ of Prince Yan who later ascended to become Emperor Yongle. Details of the ships and shipyards are provided. This is followed by highly interesting accounts of each of his seven voyages including his activities and contributions to countries that he visited as well as the present religious sites and relics related to Zheng He in these places. There are also accounts of ceremonies devoted to Mazu, the Goddess of the Sea.

Furthermore, there are essays on Zheng He by a number of well-known Chinese scholars that reflect a diversity of views. The Zheng He Epic (Chinese and English editions), A3 size, full colour, is a collector’s item and comes with a Collection Certificate. Limited copies are available.
For more information please contact: tantasen@house-of-tan.com or infoexchange@chengho.org

The book sells for US$100 (Chinese version); US$130 (English version), surface mail charge included.

We here at 1421 HQ are pleased to to try to help promote the above titles and wish them all the success they deserve.

We would also like to thank you all for following our progress in the past year, and hope you may continue to do so next year.

Furthermore may we take this opportunity to wish you and your families, wherever you are, a Happy Christmas and a healthy, prosperous, and exciting 2007!

Best wishes,
The 1421 team



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