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)

Excellent writing, compelling story

Written with attention to detail and capturing the complex rise of an amazingly talented conquerer. Weatherford skillfully disentangles simplistic myth and provides a complex, personally researched narrative of this remarkable individual and consequential culture. Highly recommended.

Surprising

They don't teach this part of history in schools. The mongols shaped the world we live through education and improvements in communities.

A wonderful book.

A mind-opening book. It leaves you with a sense of admiration and wonder for the Genghis Khan.

should be mandatory reading.

excellent review of history. we should all learn the story of Genghis and his legacy. understand why he did what he did, and how many later western scholars degraded a great man and legacy. my only negative is that it was read too slowly.

Excellent Review of Mongolian History

Weatherford has done a thorough job telling the history of an often maligned and misunderstood people. Audible narration is superb.

Densely Packed History Thst Surprises in its Scope

From beginning to end, this work does not disappoint. Students of History will appreciate the level of detail that brings Ghengis Khan and Mongol history to life. Political Scientists will be amazed at Khan's contributions to statecraft. Warriors will learn strategy and tactics at the foot of perhaps the greatest General of all time. And all readers will enjoy this fast-paced and engaging tale that spans centuries. A marvelous work.

Mind-blowing!

this is an amazing story about Genghis Khan's rise from a tribal leader to the greatest military conqueror in history, the Empire he founded and the Mongol contribution to history, much of which was completely unknown to me. Genghis Khan was not only a great military leader, he was the founder of an Empire that changed the world in profound and unprecedented ways. Strangely, the author refers repeatedly to a "secret history" as a major source, but never describes that source until the very end of the book. The narration is clear and precise, handling a variety of names, places and other technical pronunciations with clarity. it is a bit slow for my taste. I found that I could listen easily at about 1.20 speed.

Fantastic book

This is one of the best historical books I have read in my life. Detailed, entertaining. Have read very few historical books this good in my life. Near The Rise and Fall of Third Reich

informative and entertaining

What did you love best about Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World?

Fresh information, new perspective.

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

Indian givers

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

I have not

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

I enjoy learning and it was so engaging that I would listen to it during the whole day.

Any additional comments?

I want more books by Jack Weatherford.

Amazing historical figure!

I loved the fascinating story surrounding the life of Genghis Khan. The learning of history always seems to teach me a little more about how people learn to overcome their harsh environment, and those who don't or can't also provide guidance as much.