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)

Maggie M.

This book is breathtakingly epic and wonderfully informative. Highly recommended!

FASCINATING

I can't wait to listen to the entire program again. Highly recommended for any history buff.

A true innovator...

What would you say about the inventor of paper money? A genius of many battles!

Interesting point of view

I used to loath Ghengis Khan so much and I felt that he was real scourge of humanity. It is first time I hear something good about him. It did not change my mind in general - I still feel that he is a murderous charachter. What changed - I do not feel that he is a murderous thief and bastard. It is unbelievable that he went against so many odds and managed to create his empire. It is very good example that judicious and smart use of unconventional methods can be so devastatingly effective. This book was really worthwhile to listen.

Never would have guessed how much I would enjoy

I got this book on a recommendation and I never would have guessed how much I would enjoy it. It filled a huge gap in my understanding of world history and reversed misconceptions. After I finished the book I noticed the PDF of the family tree. I wish I had found that earlier. I also wish there had been a PDF glossary of frequently used words.

I may buy this book now in print so I can re-enjoy at leisure.

Bill

Very Educational

This is a very educational and interesting look into the life of one of the most influential characters in history. I have learned a lot about him from this audiobook.

Very eye-opening!!

I had no idea the Mongul Empire was so vast and much more civilized than the histroy I had learned protrayed the Monguls.

I would definitely recommend this book for anyone interested in a different perspective on Asian culture and history.

My favourite audiobook so far

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

The book is written in beautiful prose and narrated extremely well but it is the content that is the most gripping.

What did you like best about this story?

This is a fair and balanced account of Genghis's life and his enormous impact through the centuries. I came to learn enormous amount about a man who I did not expect to admire quite as much as I did while listening.

What does Jonathan Davis and Jack Weatherford bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Excellent narration and assistance with pronunciation.

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

I don't know about one sitting but certainly I found myself looking forward to commutes a lot purely to see what happened next.

Any additional comments?

If you enjoy history at any level, listen to this. Mongol history was an aspect I knew very little about and did not expect to find has engrossing as I did.

Great History

Would you consider the audio edition of Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World to be better than the print version?

I haven't read the print version of

Who was your favorite character and why?

This is a book about history and, in Asia, a great deal is known about Genghis Khan, but not a great deal is known about the man himself. His actions stand for him. I was surprised to find that he was a consummate leader of men politically as well as in war.

Which character – as performed by Jonathan Davis and Jack Weatherford – was your favorite?

I enjoyed the whole thing, right down to the commentary.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

I'm not sure I'd make a film of this book because one would lose the detail and commentary that make it so valuable.

Any additional comments?

It was an enjoyable listen. I'll probably purchase the book.

Excelent!

A fantastic journey through the unknown roots of our World, this book is a must read to anyone that loves history and that wants to deeply understand an essential part of the formation of human civilization.