I read a lot of books,[1] and Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World[2] by Jack Weatherford[3], is one of the very few books that I could claim to be brilliant. Genghis Khan was way ahead of his time. My biggest surprise learning about his story was about his meritocratic leadership.
He promoted individuals based on their abilities rather than their noble birth. This improved the efficiency of his military forces and fostered deep loyalty among his generals and soldiers. Under Genghis Khan’s direction, the Mongol army became a highly disciplined and fearsome force capable of overcoming any challenge.
Another surprise of that time was that he promoted religious tolerance within his empire, allowing people of different faiths—Muslim, Christian, Buddhist, or shamanist—to practice their religion freely. This was a pragmatic approach, as it helped to prevent rebellion and fostered loyalty among the diverse peoples under his rule. Under his leadership, the Mongol Empire became a cosmopolitan and multi-ethnic empire connected by trade routes and shared economic interests.
That is SUCH a good book but I find it sad that there aren't more books like it that follows up on that period or go into more details. I would love to read about the campaigns of Sobutai more, etc.
If anyone else know of similar books about the Mongols, I would love to check them out.
Hah! I'm happy to help :) Moments like this are part of why I read HN religiously. BTW, 3/4 of these are available on Libgen. Did a quick search and thought I'd let you know.
The Secret History is secret in the same sense that "top secret" classified documents are. Only people fairly close to the Yuan Dynasty were intended to have access to it.
A book which goes into this in detail is:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40718726-genghis-khan-an...
I read a lot of books,[1] and Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World[2] by Jack Weatherford[3], is one of the very few books that I could claim to be brilliant. Genghis Khan was way ahead of his time. My biggest surprise learning about his story was about his meritocratic leadership.
He promoted individuals based on their abilities rather than their noble birth. This improved the efficiency of his military forces and fostered deep loyalty among his generals and soldiers. Under Genghis Khan’s direction, the Mongol army became a highly disciplined and fearsome force capable of overcoming any challenge.
Another surprise of that time was that he promoted religious tolerance within his empire, allowing people of different faiths—Muslim, Christian, Buddhist, or shamanist—to practice their religion freely. This was a pragmatic approach, as it helped to prevent rebellion and fostered loyalty among the diverse peoples under his rule. Under his leadership, the Mongol Empire became a cosmopolitan and multi-ethnic empire connected by trade routes and shared economic interests.
1. https://brajeshwar.com/#books
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genghis_Khan_and_the_Making_of...
3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Weatherford
For a non-monotheist, like Genghis Khan, religious tolerance would not be something "special" you have to grant.
It is the monotheists that has problems with other religions.
That is SUCH a good book but I find it sad that there aren't more books like it that follows up on that period or go into more details. I would love to read about the campaigns of Sobutai more, etc.
If anyone else know of similar books about the Mongols, I would love to check them out.
Thanks in advance!
At your service, sir: The Mongol Conquests: The Military Operations of Genghis Khan and Sube'etei [0]
Also, about Subotai: Genghis Khan’s Greatest General: Subotai the Valiant [1]
And, finally Timur: Tamerlane: The Earth Shaker [2], Tamerlane: Sword of Islam, Conqueror of the World [3].
[0] https://www.amazon.com/Mongol-Conquests-Military-Operations-... [1] https://www.amazon.com/Genghis-Khans-Greatest-General-Subota... [2] https://www.amazon.com/Tamerlane-Earth-Shaker-Harold-Lamb-eb... [3] https://www.amazon.com/Tamerlane-Sword-Islam-Conqueror-World...
Thank you SO MUCH!!!
I wish there was a way to buy you a cup of coffee or a bear via HN or a link (let me know if there is!)
Hah! I'm happy to help :) Moments like this are part of why I read HN religiously. BTW, 3/4 of these are available on Libgen. Did a quick search and thought I'd let you know.
Wow, thank you
The author has some other books but they’re mostly focused on Temujin, have you looked into those?
I have not! Thanks for the tip! Much appreciated!
The Secret History of the Mongol Queens by the same author was pretty good as well, though I liked the Genghis Khan book more.
This book is an amazing read!
If you enjoy a bit of historical fiction then I can recommend Conn Iggulden’s Khan series - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13573316
I read them a couple of years back and thoroughly enjoyed them.
NB: "secret history" is an infelicitous part of the title of a historical document, not clickbait
Ancient equivalent of clickbait?
The Secret History is secret in the same sense that "top secret" classified documents are. Only people fairly close to the Yuan Dynasty were intended to have access to it.