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)

You need to read this book.

I have either been asleep at the switch my whole life or no one took the time to really teach me history. I had no idea that the world was anything like this book depicts. Your notion about history will change forever once you have read this fantastic book. It really is a game changer.

One of the best.

This is a very intersting book. It did not seem dry to me. I am not a history buff but do enjoy books that are more than dry facts and dates.

Absolutly riviting

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

Standby to be amazed

What did you like best about this story?

Extremely entertaining and very enlightening.

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

Had me transfixed the whole time.

Any additional comments?

Wonderful imagery while imparting a fascinating history

Fascinating individual, well written book

I have wanted to find a good biography of Genghis Khan for several years and I throughly enjoyed this one. The research that went into this work makes it as worthwhile as it is enjoyable. I only wish that we could know more. The understanding of the places the author addresses as well as insights into Mongolian/nomadic culture bring more depth to the people and the time they lived in. Showing how cultures spread in multiple directions through the connections forged by the Mongol empire helps show the legacy we have from them still today. A great read.

A fascinating and enjoyable listen

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

The storyline and narrator keep this book interesting and informative while painting a vivid picture of the life and times Genghis Khan. It kept me eagerly listening and gave me a whole new perspective on this era of world history.

Would you recommend Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World to your friends? Why or why not?

Yes. Great listen. Very interesting and informative.

Absolutely fascinating

What a indictment of my Euro-centric education that much of the material in Weatherford's book was a revelation to me. I was glued to my I-pod.

Amazingingly Influential Man

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

Don't need to. I have seen a 13 episode documentary on the Khan, but this book fleshed everything out for me. Very pitiful today that many people don't understand what influence the past has on us all. Should be required reading in high school.

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

All the contributions made by the Khan that affect our everyday lives like paper money,post offices, gun powder, public education, etc. a mind blower.

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

I always love to listen to a book read by people who have enthusiasm for the subject matter. When I begin to not notice the narrator but just the subject matter, that is a reflection of the quality of the reader. Just enjoyed the whole experience.

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

Too long. I listen to recorded books in spurts as I am doing somthing else. I listen in my car as well.

Any additional comments?

Wouldn't have been listening to this book until it was offered on sale. I am in a bit of a person in a rut when listening for pleasure. Nice tomhave my tree shaken occasionally.

Best historical book I have read in a long time!

Any additional comments?

It is incredible how incorrect most portrayals of Genghis Khan are - this is a very well written historical novel. Very well written, engaging documentary of Mongol life on the step and how the history unfolded. I have recommended it to many friends! This should be required reading in schools!

Who Knew?

This audio book really opened my eyes to a figure in history that I knew of but overlooked. The more I listened, the more I was in awe of his accomplishments. I had no idea how influential the Mongol civilization was on world history.

Perhaps the best part was at the end when the author educates the listeners as to why Mongol history has been so marginalized in the west.

YOU HAVE TO LISTEN TO THIS!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I heard this book about a year or so ago and i still talk about! It truly is amazing how a historical book could still be applied today. Amazing and fascinating! I thought we were smart today but i was wrong. Very impressive listen!

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

The old method rules