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)

Amazing Leadership Skills

This is not your Vince Flynn thriller, but equally engaging for those with a love for world history and business. I recommend this for any MBA who wants a glimpse into a side of leadership not found in HBS cases. He fathered concepts from postal services to hunting preserves and broke the bonds of nobility in favor of performance-based rewards. Loved it. Great job to the researchers and author. Now off to my CIA thrillers...

Surprisingly good!

Any additional comments?

As a modern day environmental resources specialist I found it fascinating (and exceptionally quote worthy) that he had instituted breeding season restrictions on the hunting of certain animals, recognizing the need was impressive!

Very enjoyable history lesson!

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A dated, enjoyable story, with excellent reading.
While the "making of the Modern World" section is limited at the end, for those of us who are new to this area of history, the story is very engaging and informative.

The narrator made very good work of this. In the wrong hands, the performance could have ruined the story.

Eye opening history

A fascinating narrative of the roots of many of our modern civilizing laws, tactics and mores. Slowly and methodically disabusing the reader ( listener) of the misinformation and stereotypes surrounding ginghis Kahn and his people. Thoroughly engaging and profoundly thought provoking. I learned so much about a subject I never thought I was interested in.

Genghis Kahn--A great story

If you could sum up Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World in three words, what would they be?

Captivating, surprising, entertaining!

Any additional comments?

I have to say this was one of the best audiobooks I have

Don't Miss the Afterword!

Within my filtered and stilted education for matters historical, the Mongols were painted as a genuine barbarian horde. This retelling of the empire as the first great multinational trans-denominational corporation is fascinating! Even better, the story of the research itself is like a detective novella. This really helps me understand the torch that lit the bonfire of the Renaissance.

Challenges long-held perceptions of the Khans

A well written book with excellent naration that challenges the long-held belief that the Monguls were barbarians. I learned a lot though I think Weatherford pushes the case a bit too far that the Khans set the stage for the modern world.

see a different world once listened to this.

this is how the story should be told. I really like concise and shows the depth and impact of Genghis Khan in our world.

Perfect Retelling of History

Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World, by: Jack Weatherford, and narrated by: Jonathan Davis, Jack Weatherford. The Free Dictionary by Farlex defines history as; A chronological record of events, as of the life or development of a people or institution, often including an explanation of or commentary on those events. This work of literature does that and more. It also makes the edition a deeply enthralling novel. Once again going to the dictionary enthralling means captivating and novel means having a plot that is unfolded by the actions, speech, and thoughts of the characters. The story is told from the point of view of the individual Mongols who took part in Genghis' life; not by their telling but by Weatherford's retelling.

Weatherford’s story of the life and achievements of Genghis Khan is fascinating, has a substantive tale as he recreates the story of the Kahn. The book begins with Genghis’ boyhood, his struggle to become a part of his perchance nomad tribe, his rise through the tribal culture to the explosion of an unanticipated civilization, the Mongol Empire, and its eventual end. Whether you are a historian, a lover of action novels or a romance novelist (not the British romance period but rather love story romances) this is a must read. It is that good.

Surprise pageturner

I found this a delightful surprise. It's a fascinating look at another empire and the making of one out of such a foreign world as the mongols. Quite eye opening.