This book was full of info I had never read before about GK This book really helps you to understand the impact on the world that this man had. The number of things he did for the first time is amazing added to the great philosophy he ruled wit Genghis is by far one of the coolest if then the coolest ancient leader.ruled. & The world could use omeone of his serious nature & loyal mentality & love for his people to rule again. 5stars from me!!!

This is a very good book, but it is missing the introduction that explains some critical information about the author and the source of the information. Part of the introduction can be read at Amazon in the sample.

If you are trying to understand world history, you cant pass over this topic. THis book put it all into place for me, and I finally have a handle on the vast area of land and epoc of history that Ghengis Khan ruled.

He brought technology to Europe (the printing press) and the Frogs used the press to rewrite history labeling them Mongolian idiots. Weatherford says Genghis was not a religious man. All I can say is somebody was whispering in his ear.

Other reviews sold this to me as non-fiction written in so engaging a manner as to beggar belief. The historical figures are brought to life and the Mongol cultural revelations are shattering!

Right. I now suspect these reviewers also enjoy curling up with a good technical manual after a long day.

Actually, that may not be fair. I enjoy fascinating and didactic non-fiction, but I think this has taught me that it's got to be a subject for which I have a predilection. For me, the book seemed dry. Perhaps if you enjoy anthropology...

Man o man did this guy have it down or what, everything he does it for our own good this is the way.

The beginning starts out fairly interesting. It highlights the more interesting aspects of the Genghis Khan (GK) history, however, the writing seems to blend together in the second half. While approaching the end of the book, the author's language seemed as though he was running out of things to say and just decided mix in "the modern world" hence the title. He points out an obvious fact, one thing leads to another. Yes, GK did have a huge influence on Central Asian culture, but so did many other rulers that came before him as well. (i.e. Alexander the Great) It seemed as though the further I got into the book, the more I realized that it's a BASIC (although interesting) history lesson on GK.

Unlike some other reviewers who raved about this, I can't say that I "couldn't put this book down" or it's "a superb piece of writing." After completing this, I will say that I know much more NOW about GK & the Mongols than BEFORE. That's what I took away from it, which is better than not learning anything at all. Overall: Not bad, but nothing spectacular either.

The first half is a fine history of Ghengis Khan and the birth and development of the Mongol empire. The second half of the book takes place after Genghis' death, and covers the Mongol empire's rise and fall.

So we get half a book of perfectly good history and biography, and half a book of sometimes disjointed and murky history and biography.

It isn't just the subject matter that changes at the half-way point; it's the style and the detail that fall off abruptly. The first half is full of specific detail explained clearly, and the second half is full of specific detail that isn't told well or explained well at all. This leads to long sections of details and place names and people's names that don't seem connected to any theme or purpose.

One of the main points of the book is how the Mongol Empire set the tone and structure for so much in the modern world. But this point is really only made in the final few chapters, and the point is not made so well. The impact of the Mongol empire on the modern world is not a theme woven throughout the book, but is instead presented as a summary at the end.

I picked up this book on one of Audible's sales, and I'd say it was worth the $6 I think I paid for it. But it wouldn't be worth any more than that to me. A good book, but not great.

Found nothing wrong with it, typical desire for more facing good work

Conections to the black plague

the skew of personal opinion .. tone of voice, etc.. opinions of topic.. from one more than likely more engrossed in the topic

mostly data with a few smirks

I'd like more referencial data.. maps.. charts.. diagrams of innovations used.. standards knots of the cultures.. stitching patterns.. etc.. yada yada ;)

I started this book and just can't get into it. May try again another time, but it's pretty boring so far