Book Review: Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World by Jack Weatherford

If you like biographies and historical non-fiction, you will enjoy this book about one of the smartest military minds in history. Many of the questions you’ve wondered about Khan are answered.

Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World Amazon Cover.Photo bythe reviewer with PowerPoint Design Creation tool.

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Introduction

Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World by Jack Weatherford is a fascinating and thought-provoking book that challenges the conventional view of Genghis Khan as a barbaric conqueror.

The book argues that Genghis Khan was a military genius and a visionary statesman who transformed his empire into a multicultural and tolerant society.

Summary

Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World is a biography of Genghis Khan that explores his life, achievements, and legacy. Weatherford argues that Genghis Khan's empire was the first global superpower, stretching from Korea to Hungary, and his influence shaped the modern world.

The book is divided into three parts: "The Rise of Genghis Khan," "The Empire of the Mongols," and "The Legacy of the Mongols." Weatherford draws on primary sources and recent scholarship to provide a vivid and engaging account of Genghis Khan's life and times.

"Of all the world's conquerors, Genghis Khan is one of the few who deserves to be called the Great." — Jack Weatherford.

Narration

The narrative voice in the book is third person. Weatherford presents a historical and analytical account of Genghis Khan's life and achievements, drawing on various sources, including historical chronicles, archaeological evidence, and recent scholarship.

The book is not a novel, and there is no central protagonist, but Weatherford's writing is engaging and accessible, bringing to life the complex and multifaceted world of Genghis Khan.

Setting

The book is set in Central Asia and Europe during the 12th and 13th centuries.

The setting is essential to the plot, as it shaped Genghis Khan's worldview and the expansion of his empire. The vast expanse of the steppe and the nomadic way of life fostered a culture of mobility, adaptability, and resilience, which gave the Mongols an edge in warfare. The clash of civilizations between the nomads and the sedentary societies of China, Persia, and Europe shaped Genghis Khan's ambitions and vision of a new world order.

"By the early thirteenth century, the Mongols had developed a distinctive, mobile way of life that was well adapted to the geography and climate of the steppe." — Jack Weatherford.

Theme

The book's central theme is the transformative power of Genghis Khan's leadership and his vision of a multicultural and tolerant society.

Weatherford argues that Genghis Khan's empire was not only an empire of conquest but also an empire of law, justice, and cultural exchange. Genghis Khan created a new social order based on meritocracy, religious freedom, and tolerance, which laid the foundation for the modern world.

The book challenges the conventional view of Genghis Khan as a ruthless conqueror and presents a more nuanced and complex portrait of a visionary leader.

Genre

Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World is a historical non-fiction.

The book is similar in genre to other works of popular history, such as Jared Diamond's Guns, Germs, and Steel or Yuval Harari's Sapiens: A Graphic History – The Birth of Humankind. However, Weatherford's book is unique in its focus on Genghis Khan and its revisionist interpretation of his legacy.

About the Author

Jack Weatherford is an American anthropologist and historian who has written extensively on the history of the Mongol Empire. His other works include Indian Givers: How the Indians of the Americas Transformed the World and The Secret History of the Mongol Queens: How the Daughters of Genghis Khan Rescued His Empire.

Weatherford is known for his engaging writing style, meticulous research, and ability to challenge conventional views of history.

Plot

The book begins with the rise of Genghis Khan and his conquest of the tribes of the steppe.

Weatherford describes how Genghis Khan developed a new style of warfare based on mobility, coordination, and deception, which allowed the Mongols to overcome much larger and better-equipped armies.

The book then explores the expansion of the Mongol Empire and its impact on the societies of China, Persia, and Europe. Weatherford argues that the Mongols were both conquerors and cultural innovators who fostered a global exchange of goods, ideas, and technologies. The book concludes with an analysis of Genghis Khan's legacy and his influence on the modern world.

My Opinion & Recommendation

Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World is an excellent read for anyone interested in world history, leadership, and cultural exchange.

The book challenges the conventional view of Genghis Khan as a barbaric conqueror and presents a more nuanced and complex portrait of a visionary leader.

The book is suitable for readers of all ages, but it may be particularly relevant to students and educators interested in global history and the role of leadership in shaping societies. Overall, it is a compelling and thought-provoking book that will challenge and inspire readers.

Buy it on Kindle.

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About the reviewer

Stephen Dalton is a native of Old Town, ME, and a retired US Army First Sergeant with a degree in journalism from the University of Maryland. He is a Certified US English Chicago Manual of Style Editor. Top Writer in Travel, Food, Fiction, Transportation, VR, NFL, Design, Creativity, Short Story, and a NewsBreak Community Voice Pro.