Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World

By: Jack Weatherford

Narrated by: Jonathan Davis, Jack Weatherford

Length: 14 hrs and 20 mins

Publisher's summary

The Mongol army led by Genghis Khan subjugated more lands and people in 25 years than the Romans did in 400. In nearly every country the Mongols conquered, they brought an unprecedented rise in cultural communication, expanded trade, and a blossoming of civilization.

Vastly more progressive than his European or Asian counterparts, Genghis Khan abolished torture, granted universal religious freedom, and smashed feudal systems of aristocratic privilege. From the story of his rise through the tribal culture to the explosion of civilization that the Mongol Empire unleashed, this brilliant work of revisionist history is nothing less than the epic story of how the modern world was made.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

Listen to An Interview with Author Jack Weatherford.

©2005 Jack Weatherford (P)2010 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"With appreciative descriptions of the sometimes tender tyrant, this chronicle supplies just enough personal and world history to satisfy any reader." ( Publishers Weekly)

"There is very little time for reading in my new job. But of the few books I've read, my favourite is Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World by Jack Weatherford. It's a fascinating book portraying Genghis Khan in a totally new light. It shows that he was a great secular leader, among other things." (Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of India)

"Weatherford's admiration for Genghis and his firsthand knowledge of many of the sites important in Mongol history give this text an immediacy and a visual quality that are enhanced by Davis’s presentation. When the narrative begins to lag in its final hour or two as it moves farther from the twelfth century, Davis's crisp pace maintains the listener’s interest to the end. An informative and provocative work of popular history." ( AudioFile)

Fantastic!

I got this audiobook because it won a best listen award and I figured, what did I have to lose? I was not disappointed. I am now a self-proclaimed Ghengis Kahn-aphile. It was a fantastic gym/work/commute listen. I have recommended it to pretty much anyone who will listen to me ramble on about how much of what we have accomplished and take for granted in our modern world actually originated centuries ago from the vision, actions, and genius of one (what we would call uneducated) man. I have even downloaded this audiobook to my dad's iPod, for which as far as I'm concerned, is the reason we have iPods. It's not every day you come across something that changes and enlightens your perspective of the world you live in and I thank Mr. Weatherford for compiling this compelling biography of this mysterious man. I think I may press play and listen to it again right now.

Untold and important

Who knew? We have had so much revisionist history that this is fascinating and edifying all at the same time.

An surprising new light on an ancient figure

I was honestly surprised by how little I truly knew about the worlds greatest conquerer. The influence that is still in play from the Mongolian empire and the misconceptions of Genghis Khan will truly surprise most listeners. Not a barbarian but a innovator of culture. Not a destroyer but a utilizer of several cultures and technologies. Do yourself a favor and give this a listen. I know I will again!

Interesting study of Genghis Khan

A very good recounting of the conquests of Genghis Khan and the impact that had on Asia and Europe. Very good but not necessarily memorable.

Great history of the Monguls

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would recommend this book because the reading is done well. Also the story is really unbelievable but true.

What other book might you compare Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World to and why?

I also bought Lucretia Borgia. This book dispelled some of my misconceptions of that time and this particular woman.

Have you listened to any of Jonathan Davis and Jack Weatherford ’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have not paid much attention to who is reading the books.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No. I rarely listen to a book all at one time.

Any additional comments?

I like it when the writer can paint a picture with words and I can put myself into the story.

A fun look at a part of history you don’t get in school

I bought this when it was a daily deal having really no idea what I was getting. It just sounded kind of interesting. I had so much fun listening to this selection over a period of weeks. It delves into a part of history that I knew basically nothing about. Fascinating stuff. I loved the way the author made connections between the modern world and the Mongul empire. If you like to geek out to history - I highly recommend this one!

a refreshing - but not revisionist - perspective

Would you listen to Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World again? Why?

This is a subject that I've found endlessly fascinating, this book is broad enough to cover subject areas I'm not terribly familiar with but also goes into exacting detail in specific moments; two characteristics which I find greatly satisfying and also solid motivations for a re-listen.

What did you like best about this story?

This book does an excellent job of giving a more broad survey of the Mongolian impact on Eurasia while refraining from excessive focus on the brutalities of 12th century combat. The narrative arc was satisfying but not overbearing in its presence.

What does Jonathan Davis and Jack Weatherford bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Pronunciation! Davis did a more than serviceable job with the extensive number of difficult to pronounce names in this text, but hearing them from the author - Weatherford, who spent an extensive amount of time in the field among native speakers - give an extra level of authority to the pronunciation of places and people that you wouldn't necessarily hear correctly in your head.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

While not really one of those sorts of books I did on sever occasions exclaim to myself while listening.

A correct telling of the life of Genghis Khan

Refreshing, the detail with which the accounts are written. It clears up the mystery surrounding the history built up over centuries. It was truly a painstaking work. I loved every moment. Don’t forget to listen to the Afterward read by the author.

It will likely change you prospective on Genghis Khan

The book will likely change the reader’s view of Genghis Khan and the empire he built. It is inspiring how a lowly hunter and herder manage to create the largest empire the world has never seen. The narrator was very dry at times, especially when he recite something Genghis Khan spoke to inspires his troops. Rather than feeling inspired, I felt bored.

Enjoy half the read

The first half of this book was great, informative, well preformed. After that it became difficult to listen too and unenjoyable. I would recommend half the book.
The second half is a regurgitation !