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 must read.

One of my all time favorite books thus far. I can't recommend it enough.

Unexpected gem

The amount of work and research that has gone into this work is impressive. Detailed yet balanced. It is sure to change your perspective on Mongol history and the way we are often taught to perceive the past

Wow. Just wow!

Everything about this book and the story behind it is simply amazing. I've learned so much about our world's history and about how modern culture came to be. The influence of one man forever changed the way we live.

Excellent book!

The book presents a clear picture not only of the Khan but also of the life and society of that time. I'm impressed by the time and effort that was dedicated to research this almost lost history. The author is correct assuming that people especially in Europe first assume that the Mongols and the Tatars are the same and that only horrible tales are presented even in modern history books.

Weatherford amazes!

Weatherford has brought to light history of epic proportions that was lost in a way that is as enjoyable to read as it is informative.

Excellent Review of Genghis Khan's legacy

This book clarifies how Genghis Khan modernized us with his vision and rules he created.

Wow. I want to change my life to study the Mogols.

Loved the performance. Loved the story. Author made this history come alive. Not just a gathering of history docs. to be reported in an amateur research paper. This was a living history. Loved the breadth. Depth will hopefully grow in the next edition and as I read more. This is my first exposure to this info.

Only concern is that I expected the entire book to be about Ghengis. Half of the book is about his descendants . But that was ok. I just didn't expect it.

The other complaint is at the end of the book there is mention of printable bit like other Audible books I can't access them.

New perspective on old, biased traditional thought

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

I would listen again. It has a lot of info on the life and times of the generations of the Khan that would be a pleasure to hear again and absorb.

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

There were a couple of books on how the Jews affected history and how the Irish saved the world that I've read in the past. I would say this carries a similar theme from a balanced viewpoint.

What about Jonathan Davis and Jack Weatherford ’s performance did you like?

Clear, easy to listen to. Very enjoyable presentation.

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

No, there's a lot to absorb. If you listened all at once, I'm sure you'd have to listen again. That probably depends on how much you want to know and how much time you have.

Any additional comments?

Anyone who enjoys new perspectives on history would probably enjoy this book. There are elements explored that were not included in our history books and lessons of the past. These ideas really show how Mongol life affected our current world. Enlightening and mind expanding. If I were writing a paper, this would be an excellent juxtaposition to what has been the traditional historical perspective, and an excellent jumping off point for further research into the subject.

Educational and Entertaining

It is fascinating to hear how much impact the Mongolian Khan and his nation had on the world. From the expand of trade and the openness of ideas he had.

Great biography

This is a very entertaining well researched biography of one of the most important men in history. The influence Genghis Khan had on history and shaping the civilized world is without peer. He literally conquered and reformed Europe and Asia. Read this book whether you like history or just a wonderfully entertaining well researched book.