"The central coast of China, 1405. At nearly seven feet tall, Admiral Zheng He looked out at the sea before him. For the next three decades, the oceans would be his home, as he would command over 1,500 ships and thousands of sailors in seven journeys that would predate the heart of the European Age of Exploration. Over his seven epic journeys, Zheng He explored the Northern Pacific and Indian Oceans, traveling as far as the east coast of Africa, expanding Chinese power globally, warring with pirates, and capturing enemies along the way in the name of his emperor, Zhu Di." -- Dust jacket.

The pirates of voyage I -- The origins of the admiral -- The emperor -- Construction -- Voyage I -- Voyages II & III -- Voyage IV -- Voyage V -- Voyage VI -- Voyage VII -- Epilogue -- Bibliography -- Notes on sources -- Acknowledgments -- Image credits -- Index.