About this book
Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World tells the story of Temujin, the boy from the Mongolian steppe who united its tribes and became Genghis Khan, and of the empire his sons and grandsons extended across much of Asia and into Europe.
Jack Weatherford, an anthropologist, draws on The Secret History of the Mongols and on his own time in Mongolia to give the steppe world a vivid reality. His central argument is that the Mongols, so often remembered only for destruction, also opened trade routes, moved goods and ideas across continents and practised a striking degree of religious tolerance. Some historians think the book tilts too far toward a positive view, which is part of what makes it such a lively read.
It works well as an introduction to a part of world history many readers know little about. For the bigger picture of how Eurasia's trade routes linked civilisations over the centuries, follow it with The Silk Roads.
Who it’s for
Ideal for readers who like history with a bold argument; engaging and accessible, best read with an open but critical mind.
Editions vary by publisher and format. Check the retailer’s listing for the edition, translation and format before you buy.