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anglilian's review against another edition
4.0
I can only imagine what an undertaking it was to write a book that spanned 8 centuries with scarce resources. I appreciate the work that went into this and have a better understanding of why the Mongol Empire was an exception to many "rules" (see: CrashCourse).
I was a bit doubtful about the portrayal of Temujin's mother in the beginning of the book -- her sacrifice for a man she had just been married off to seemed doubtful, but I could buy Temujin's love for his wife, especially after the epilogue!
I was a bit doubtful about the portrayal of Temujin's mother in the beginning of the book -- her sacrifice for a man she had just been married off to seemed doubtful, but I could buy Temujin's love for his wife, especially after the epilogue!
barbaraalfond's review against another edition
4.0
Thanks, Margie! I can't remember a book from which I've learned so much, and one in which the information is imparted so exquisitely.
whitakk's review against another edition
5.0
Genghis Khan somehow slipped through my global history classes in high school, so obviously I'd heard of him but I really didn't know what the deal was. I really enjoyed this book, with a surprising amount of detail for things that happened eight centuries ago. Especially enjoyed the beginning, because growing up in the 12th century sounds pretty bananas.
Four things I learned:
1. The Mongol state allowed complete religious freedom, probably for the first time anywhere in the world.
2. Instead of transporting siege equipment (as was custom at the time), Mongol armies brought engineers who could make what they needed out of available material (and could therefore move much faster).
3. The Mongols didn't expand far into Europe in part because the territory wasn't suited for horses - as result Europe got the benefit of Mongols' trade and accumulated knowledge without being conquered, which is a pretty good deal.
4. Europe didn’t know about fall of the Mongol empire until nearly a century later -- Columbus was still looking for them on his voyage.
Four things I learned:
1. The Mongol state allowed complete religious freedom, probably for the first time anywhere in the world.
2. Instead of transporting siege equipment (as was custom at the time), Mongol armies brought engineers who could make what they needed out of available material (and could therefore move much faster).
3. The Mongols didn't expand far into Europe in part because the territory wasn't suited for horses - as result Europe got the benefit of Mongols' trade and accumulated knowledge without being conquered, which is a pretty good deal.
4. Europe didn’t know about fall of the Mongol empire until nearly a century later -- Columbus was still looking for them on his voyage.
seanpb813's review against another edition
challenging
hopeful
informative
reflective
slow-paced
2.75
sbright421's review against another edition
5.0
I enjoyed learning about the history of how Temujin was influenced to create the empire he did, ultimately becoming the Kahn that ruled the empire. The book did a great job of not only talking about how the Kahn and his family created his kingdom, but the internal and external factors that lead to its demise as well. Would definitely recommend!
veronikamales's review against another edition
4.0
audiobook read (listened to while I walked my dog)
such a fascinating aspect of history that I knew very little about
such a fascinating aspect of history that I knew very little about
xandy's review against another edition
4.0
I am ashamed to say how little I knew about Genghis Khan before reading this book, likely a product of my Western education and mindset (and the brutal erasing of his legacy done by various entities in the 20th century). He was an amazing historical figure that was far far ahead of his time. This book could be dry at times but, particularly in the latter half of the book, it really picked up. I want to learn more now!!