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)

Incredibly engaging book!!!

This book was so insightful. I had no idea the overall impact Genghis Khan had one our modern day society. He laid the ground work for so much. Brilliant tactician, but also incredible at laying framework for a governing body. Way ahead of his time! A really delightful book to listen to! Highly recommend.

Fascinating Story

I lived in Asia for 7 years, all in Korea, and where ever I traveled in that region I could see the impact that Genghis Khan had on so many Asian cultures. The Koreans talk fondly of Genghis, as if he was one of theirs. Koreans call themselves the "Han" people, which I was told comes from the Khan people. This book kept me interested the whole time, I couldn't wait to restart listening to it everyday

Thank you

Amazing book with a very articulate narrator! Genghis Khan is to become one of the most interesting rulers in history. He has not been recognized or given enough credit for what he accomplished.

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.

What an amazing book!

What an amazing book! True history. Well written. I wish we had these kind of wise rulers now.

Fighting Culture

The book was awesome, the culture for a long time was at war in some form on other

Fascinating read which challenges a lot of preconceived notions

I found the book to be well researched and compelling. It challenges the popular understanding of Genghis Khan through an examination of the truth and what is knowable without making a correction of the misunderstanding a central drumbeat. Well written

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.