Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World

Amazingly insightful book that compellingly transforms modern perspectives and biases about Genghis Khan! Piercing through the hatred and bitterness that has surrounded most Western narratives and reports of Genghis Khan, this book presents the 'human' side of Genghis, his yearning for peace and stability for his people, his reluctant rise to greatness and the far-reaching impact he had on the...more

Amazingly insightful book that compellingly transforms modern perspectives and biases about Genghis Khan! Piercing through the hatred and bitterness that has surrounded most Western narratives and reports of Genghis Khan, this book presents the 'human' side of Genghis, his yearning for peace and stability for his people, his reluctant rise to greatness and the far-reaching impact he had on the world from Europe to Middle East to Central Asia to South-East Asia. Reading this book makes me yearn anew for visiting Central Asia and retracing the steps of my Mongol ancestors. A must-read for anyone who wants to understand how one man's conviction, leadership and shrewdness humbled kings and emperors, bringing long-standing dynasties crumbling to their knees!   hide

The writing is occasionally crappy, but the insight into history is eye-opening.

Absolutely a great read. Written in a way that makes you think you are watching a movie...

Places the Mongol Empire in historical, cultural, and economic context. Fun reading but very speculative at times since records and credible contemporary accounts are few. ¤¤¤¤* Does a good job of placing Mongol Empire in historical, cultural, & economic context. Well written but often speculative but this is because of a lack of credible records or other evidence.

I was gripped from beginning to end, questioning our Western preconceptions about Genghis Khan. My family had to listen to dinner table revelations about the fact that he abolished the kidnapping of women for wives; that he showed religious tolerance and had Buddhists, Christians, Muslims in his government (even though he chose to worship the sky); that he passed laws using an almost democratic...more

I was gripped from beginning to end, questioning our Western preconceptions about Genghis Khan. My family had to listen to dinner table revelations about the fact that he abolished the kidnapping of women for wives; that he showed religious tolerance and had Buddhists, Christians, Muslims in his government (even though he chose to worship the sky); that he passed laws using an almost democratic process, and that he passed laws that he as leader was bound to adhere to as well.   hide

Now everytime I see Ghengis Khan portrayed as a mindless barbarian, I get mad.

Very good non-fiction storytelling. The biography of Genghis Khan and the reign of Kublai Khan are impressive. I wasn't as sold on the sweeping generalizations made about modern culture and felt the author glossed over the Khan's treatment of captive people and places. Weatherford suggests there was all-or-nothiing treatment - utter destruction or peaceful vassalage but historical and genetic...more

Very good non-fiction storytelling. The biography of Genghis Khan and the reign of Kublai Khan are impressive. I wasn't as sold on the sweeping generalizations made about modern culture and felt the author glossed over the Khan's treatment of captive people and places. Weatherford suggests there was all-or-nothiing treatment - utter destruction or peaceful vassalage but historical and genetic evidence suggest otherwise.   hide

The first part reads more like epic poetry than any kind of attempt at objective history. It gets better as you read, though, tying in more and more historically relevant issues and events, so be sure to persevere to the end - it's worth it!

The best part is pg. 173, which gave a description of a religious debate, including everyone drinking fermented mare's milk between each round. I think that all debates should be held in this manner. "At the end of the debate, unable to convert or kill one another, they concluded the way most Mongol celebrations concluded, with everyone simply too drunk to continue." Good times,...more

The best part is pg. 173, which gave a description of a religious debate, including everyone drinking fermented mare's milk between each round. I think that all debates should be held in this manner. "At the end of the debate, unable to convert or kill one another, they concluded the way most Mongol celebrations concluded, with everyone simply too drunk to continue." Good times, good times...   hide