Harry is a modern day Marco Polo who is the first person in history to accurately follow the route of Marco Polo over land and sea from Venice, Italy to Beijing, China (1975 to 1985). He is author of In the Footsteps of Marco Polo: A 20th Century Odyssey, published by The Viking Press. In 1981 he produced the documentary film entitled "On the Roof of the World with Marco Polo."

He has written many articles and lectured extensively all over America, and on cruise liners around the world about his Marco Polo travels. The Royal Geographical Society of London and the Explorers Club of New York have recognized his efforts with the title of "Fellow." Like Marco Polo, Rutstein was a merchant, trading in high tech products to and from China and Russia. These businesses have given the opportunity to travel extensively around the world.

Harry Rutstein passed away in July, 2010.