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)

A different perspective of Genghis Khan

I loved learning about the great heritage left in the world by Genghis Khan, as well as his attitude towards women. I followed up with the Mongol Queens and got a broader view of their challenges. I enjoyed the way the story was told, as well as the view of his achievements. Well worth listening to.

Terrific

I very much feel as though I learned something from this book. Insightful and engaging, it took what was an area of misperception which I was unaware I even had and turned it into both a fascinating grasp of history and also a well of relevant ideas which pertain to the modern world. I'm appreciative of having the correction made to my understanding and to have enjoyed the experience it as well is simply icing on the cake.

great change of type of literature

I usually read technical stuff, occasionally sci fi, but I wanted a change. this book was a wonderful start.

Engaging

What made the experience of listening to Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World the most enjoyable?

I was fascinated by the huge sphere of influence of Genghis Khan and his descendents.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World?

The paradox of barbarism e.g. treating people like animals alongside civility e.g. not allowing torture.

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

NO

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

NO

Any additional comments?

Would have liked a bibliography

NEVER LEARNED THIS IN HS!

Such a detailed, comprehensive, fascinating journey through a misrepresented world leader's journey. I was stunned that the vast majority of public schools never do more than scratch the surface of this SIGNIFICANT piece of history!!! Many lessons can be taken here! Man killing man is horrific but prolific throughout time. That aside, his journey was an enduring, positive, PIVOTAL influence on all of mankind. Wow!!!

incredible

as history books go, jack did a stellar job. the narrator brought it alive. why is the last chapter a synopsis?

IMO, a perfect book

The author picked a very impactful person in world history. The story was thoughtful about the life of Genghis Khan including his motivations, strengths and innovations as a leader. Narrator was superb and never got in the way of enjoying the book. Not your book if desciptions of violence are not your cup of tea.

excellent

tremendously entertaining. described through the lens of a great narrator, rather than a simole regurgitation of facts.

A very inspirational book.

I've never written a review until now. Fom start to finish I was intrigued and inspired by the life and legacy of Genghis Khan. It's 2021 and he still has an impact on everyday life. I encourage anyone who wants the motivation to leave an impact on life to listen to this book.

blew my mind

I learned so much from this book. everything I thought I knew about the Khan was wrong. He touched literally every history of culture on Earth. must read