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Genghis Khan: A Life From Beginning To End
☆ Genghis Khan ☆ Genghis Khan was the most unlikely of conquerors. An orphan of the Mongolian Steppes, his rise went all but unnoticed by all the great powers around him. His people had been divided and discounted by the Chinese dynasties to his south and completely dismissed by the encroaching Islamic empires to his west. Inside you will read about... ✓ Mystery of the Steppes ✓ When Warriors Are Made ✓ Rites of Passage ✓ A Battle Against Shamanic Destiny ✓ United They Stand ✓ Throwing Sand at an Empire ✓ Genghis Khan’s Crusade ✓ The Last Days of Genghis Khan Known as little more than bandits and nomads, Genghis Khan and his Mongolian horde would shake Kings and Emperors to their very core as they descended like locusts upon all four corners of the known world.
40 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 25, 2016
601 people are currently reading
884 people want to read
About the author
Henry Freeman
52 books89 followersHenry Freeman is an author and archaeologist. He has a passion for history and loves to travel the world exploring various historical sites.
Henry graduated from the University of Cambridge with a double major in History and Archaeology and shortly after that started his career as an archaeologist.
After traveling the world getting first-hand experience with history, Henry was determined to take up his dream of becoming a best-selling author.
He decided to partner up with the newly formed publishing company Hourly History writing short, concise and straightforward history books that never takes more than one hour to read.
Henry graduated from the University of Cambridge with a double major in History and Archaeology and shortly after that started his career as an archaeologist.
After traveling the world getting first-hand experience with history, Henry was determined to take up his dream of becoming a best-selling author.
He decided to partner up with the newly formed publishing company Hourly History writing short, concise and straightforward history books that never takes more than one hour to read.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
April 14, 2020
A short and concise telling of the life of the great (not necessarily good) Ghengis Khan. I found this informative and a very useful introduction to the subject. An excellent place to start I would think and recommend it for anyone who wants to know more but doesn’t want to get bogged down in great heavy tomes! It is written in such a way as to be simple to follow, not laden with dates to remember, although of course there are some dates, but it manages still to be a fairly easy read. I find myself more interested than ever in this extraordinary warrior of a man, impressive to say the least.
4*/5 A great jumping off point but such a brief book, if you want detailed information you will need more than this book.
4*/5 A great jumping off point but such a brief book, if you want detailed information you will need more than this book.
August 19, 2023
Hmm...this is a work by a "Cambridge" graduate who studied hæ-stor'y and archæ'o-log'y there... ??
The entr’/ intr’o-duct’ion is fine. The book opens the gre’at stor’y with a nice starter & a viç/ big expectation for the readers.
Unfortunately, however, turns out the book is as disappointing as the size of that expectation from the introduction ending up with a really disappointing con-clos'/ -clus'ion.
The quest'ion in the following lines serves as the reason why the readers want to open and read this book:
(Kindle Ed., pp. 1-2)
The Mongolians went from one of the poorest and least organized communities on the planet to the most highly-disciplined fighting machine on the face of this Earth. Just how did this happen? There’s only one answer to that question: Genghis Khan...At the time of Khan’s birth in 1162, Mongolia was little more than a collection of loosely knit family-based tribes. How this unorganized group of wanderers would be able to turn themselves into the greatest fighting force and later the largest land empire ever known to man remains one of the greatest mysteries of history. In fact, nearly everyone that came in contact with the Mongolian military machine took it for granted at first, underestimating its power...
The book is filled with wrong en-/ in-form’ation, but it deserves minimum 3 stars since it at least “answers” the very quest'ion right: OPENMINDEDNESS & GENEROUSITY.
(Ibid., p. 13)
Khan now began in earnest his efforts to bring as many as he could under his power. In the beginning Khan’s aims were very simple; instead of political power, he was in search of manpower. First in the criteria of the men he would lead was loyalty. In regard to this Genghis Khan himself remarked, “What shall be said of a man who will make a promise at dawn and break it at nightfall?” Khan also sought to establish himself as a fair-minded leader by taking measures such as reforming the hunting rights of his subjects, allowing them to keep more of their hunted game for themselves. Allowing the warriors of harsh and frigid Mongolia to stock up on more meat for the winter would be an equivalent to a modern day politician given his constituents a big tax cut. Khan’s generosity with his men would be rewarded.
(Ibid., pp. 17-18)
In response, Genghis Khan simply opened his tent to show that he was not there, remarking to the onlookers, “Teb Tengri made plots against my brothers and struck them, and now the spirits of Heaven have taken away both his life and his body.” He thereby forged a myth, claiming that the spirits themselves had snatched the shaman up and transported him to the nether realms, thereby freeing himself and his family from any culpability in his demise. With this bit of shadow play, Genghis knew that he had beaten his own shamanic destiny. Free from the meddling of prophets and soothsayers, he was ready to be the complete and sole master of his own fate.
Great ancient leaders were all successful dealing with their world's natural science, which was religion and faith back in their days.
(Ibid., p. 22)
...Khan also commented on drinking in his codex; while not making alcohol consumption illegal, he stressed moderation since so many Mongolians had not died by the sword, but by the bottle of alcohol they were drinking.
So had Alexander the Great. And this was the very reason for the difference between the fates of the two empires after the founders' deaths.
(Ibid., p. 14)
He was believed to have a whole host of supernatural and meditative powers such as being able to withstand extreme temperature. According to the Persian historian Rashid al-Din, “in the heart of winter” Teb Tengri would “sit naked in the middle of a frozen river, and from the heat of his body the ice would melt and steam would rise from the water”.
Is that just me or everyone can also see one of these Shamans sitting in an outdoor spring fooling the innocent? lol
BTW, the writer Mr. Henry Freeman often mixes up the British and American punctuations breaking the form'at of his books with his own hands.
Seriously, countless errors are found all throughout the read!
One example is this following paragraph with many [pro]gramm’atical errors:
(Kindle Ed., p. 20)
According to legend, the conversion happened in dramatic fashion. The chieftain of the Karaits was lost somewhere in the wastelands of Central Asia near the end of his life, and he was supposedly contacted by some supernatural entity. This being told him he would survive and be able to find his way home if only he would only put his faith in Christ. According to the story, he was then somehow instantaneously transported back to his camp.
(Ibid., p. 1)
...However, when the Mongolian army had reached Nanjing, the Ch’in Dynasty had to accept the hard fact that Genghis Khan wasn’t going anywhere anytime soon...
A good Ængl'ish sentence, but wrong information: Nan-jing (Southern-capital) was the Song Imperial Capital, while Ch'in "Kim" Dynasty had her Imperial Capital near modern-day Bei-jing (Northern-capital).
(Ibid., pp. 1-2)
...This same realization dawned on the Shah of the Iranian/Afghanistan empire...
Correction: ...Iran/Afghanistan empire... (or) ...Iranian/Afghani empire...
(Ibid., p. 15)
...The shaman was well aware of this fact as well, and soon demonstrated his feelings of invincibility by calling upon the youngest brother of Khan, Temuge, for a meeting,
There must be a "period," not a "comma" to end a sentence...sigh.
(Ibid., p. 16)
His statement, meant to be a stern reproach, signalled to anyone “that” was listening “that” this was the end of his partnership with Genghis Khan...
Correction: His statement, meant to be a stern reproach, signaled to anyone listening that this was the end of his partnership with Genghis Khan...
(Ibid., p. 21)
As they were the same group that had murdered his own father, Genghis Khan had also sworn revenge against the Tatars. With such an excellent opportunity for his vengeance to unfold, Khan attacked the Tatars from the north as the Chinese army besieged them from the south. Genghis enlisted the aid of the Karaits in this endeavor, and the coalition was victorious...
The author keeps calling the Jin Empire (“Ch'in” he spells in this book) a “Chinese” empire, but Jin/ Gene (Kim or K'm in their own pronunciation meaning "Gold, the Eternal Color of the Sun") was founded and ruled by the Scytho-Tungus riders, the same as the Mungus (Mongol) People. Don't buy the CCP propaganda helping it with its hæ-stor’y dis-tort’ion.
(Ibid., p. 23)
With solidarity among the main tribes of Mongolia established, Khan then turned his eyes to the historic antagonist to the south: China. As it was better known at the time, the Ch’in Dynasty, was one of the longer running dynasties of the period, the same one that the name “China” is ultimately derived.
Total lack of bas'ic knowledge! It's been called Chin'a (or Chin in Frenc’h) based on the first unified empire “Chin” (some spell it “Qin”) of Chin-xi-hoangdæ (China's-first-emperor)! Jin Empire of the “Sir’a-Manchuri’an” riders (Kim Dynasty) was NOT one of the "H’an-Chin’ese” empires. Looks like the writer is ultim'ately NOT qualified to write a book of this top’ic or sub-je[c]t.
(Ibid., p. 23)
The Chi’n had been spreading division and discord among the Mongolians for centuries...
For centuries? The empire was only established in 1115 or 1116 and took the Song capital Kaifeng in 1127. However, she was soon destroyed, with the sudden rise of an'other nomadic Mongol Empire, by Genghis Khan's son & successor in 1234! What cent'uries?
(Ibid., p. 24)
...they were soon met by the front line defenses of the Chinese military “were” positioned on the frontier roads...
Correction: ...they were soon met by the frontline defenses of the Chinese military positioned on the frontier roads...
(Ibid., p. 24)
...it was here, outside these massive city walls”, that” Genghis Khan began to realize the exact kind of quandary “that” he had found himself in.
Correction: ...it was here, outside these massive city walls, where Genghis Khan began to realize the exact kind of quandary that he had found himself in.
(Ibid., p. 24)
...No matter how many of their soldiers Khan’s troops cut down, there Chi’n always had another supply of fresh-faced infantry that could be summoned and shipped down the river to fight his own slowly dwindling regiment anew.
Correction: ...No matter how many of their soldiers Khan’s troops cut down, there Ch'in always had another supply of fresh-faced infantry that could be summoned and shipped down the river to fight (end of the sentence).
Besides the constant incoherence (Ch'in and Chi'n), Jin/ Kim Empire of the Manchu Eurasian riders was fam’ous for her mighty cavalry['el] (gab[a]ri’el (mid’/ med’/ mess’enger = runner)).
(Ibid., p. 26)
The Emperor and the entire imperial capitol itself had been moved hastily to the Southern city of Nanjing just a few weeks prior. It was a bold move to attempt to gather strength and stave off political collapse, but for the most part it was a severe measure that backfired on the imperial government of the Chi’ns, leading to many of their subjects to move toward outright mutiny and rebellion.
Not to mention the typo (capit"o"l) and [p[u]r’o]gr’amm-at-ic-al error (leading "to" many of their subjects to move toward outright mutiny and rebellion), it was the riders of Jin Empire, who pushed Song Empire (now THIS was a “Chinese” dynasty) south to Nanjing in 1127. So how would the Jin riders move to settle in Nanjing, while it was the capital of "Southern" Song Empire, writer? He must have meant "Kaifeng," NOT Nanking (Nanjing). BTW, Song, too, would e-vent'ually be destroyed under the Mongol invasion by 1279.
(Ibid., p. 27)
This time around, Khan’s forces made it all the way to the outskirts of Nanjing. However, with the army facing starvation and disease, Khan realized that he would have to put off his final assault on the Chi’n dynasty once again as the summer drew to a close. Yet this time he wouldn’t leave the field without giving a direct message to the Emperor himself, telling him, “What do you think now of the war between us? All the provinces north of the Yellow River are in my power...
Nanjing was on the Yangtze Riverbank in the south, while it was "Kaifeng" on Yellow Riverbank in the north, the old capital of "Northern" Song Empire, later taken by the Jin riders from the Steppes.
(Ibid., pp. 27-28)
In the wake of such cruelty, this retreat back to the Gobi was only a very brief respite, the full force of Khan would once again strike the Chi’n Empire in early 1215. Sending his legions all the way to the new imperial stronghold in the south, this time Genghis Khan would be victorious and the Chi’n were completely defeated. With his bits of Mongolian sand, Khan managed, finally, to stem the tide of the great sea that had been the Chi’n Dynasty.
No, it would be his successor Ögedei Khan, who completed the conquest of Jin by 1234!
(Ibid., pp. 29-30)
With the initial idea of increasing trade, Khan set out to contact his nearest Muslim neighbor from the west, the Shah of Persia (modern-day Iran). The Shah himself was a great conqueror of a vast domain. Genghis sent his own envoy to the Shah with the infamous tidings, “I sent the greeting. I know your power and the great extent of your empire, and I look upon you as a most cherished son. On your part, you must know that I have conquered China and many Turkish nations. My country is an encampment of warriors, a mine of silver, and I have no need of other lands. To me it seems that we have an equal interest in encouraging trade between our subjects.” The Shah immediately took offense to this message, viewing it as condescending and unbelievably boisterous in its claims of conquest. He responded in irate incredulousness, “Who is Genghis Khan? Has he really conquered China?” Khan’s intermediaries, not seeking conflict, attempted to assuage the Shah’s ego a bit, and after downplaying Khan’s military might managed to set up a trade agreement. Relations then went on rather smoothly with Khan’s new trading partner for about a year until an unfortunate incident that would spark an all-out war. It began when a caravan of several hundred merchants from Khan were seized by one of the Shah’s governors and accused of harboring spies among them. The Shah, who was quite used to routinely capturing and killing supposed spies, didn’t think too much of it, and quickly ordered the governor to put the merchants to death. When Genghis Khan heard the news of what had happened to his envoy however, he was not going to take such an assault on his own merchants lightly. Khan was quick to demand recompense. He then sent another envoy to make his discontent known, but this envoy was also intercepted. The Shah then had the leader of this group summarily executed and then insulted the rest of the envoy by forcibly shaving off all of their beards. This of course was an outrage the Mongolian leader would not be able to tolerate; Khan sent his own declaration of war to the Shah in which he stated, “You have chosen war. That will happen which will happen, and what it is to be, we know not. God alone knows.” Genghis Khan then set his sights on the land of Khwarezmia, a conglomeration of nations that included modern day Iran, Afghanistan, and a few other portions of Central Asia, lands that had already spent centuries under the full dominion of Islam. Khwarezmia was an empire in its own right, but it was one that Khan was readily prepared to dismantle.
So, was the empire of Khwarezm the "Persian Empire" then? The writer's explanation is found too late later in the chapter causing a con-fus'ion among the readers.
(Ibid., p. 31)
...When they consulted one of the Chinese soothsayers that they had brought along with them they were informed that the snow signified “that the lord of the cold and wintry lands will overcome the lord of the warm climates...”
Correction: ...When they consulted one of the Chinese soothsayers they had brought along they were informed that the snow signified "the lord of the cold and wintry lands overcoming the lord of the warm climates..."
The writer really loves to use “that” too much!
(Ibid., p. 35)
With the untold conquest of northern China and the subjugation of the entire region of Iran and Afghanistan, Genghis Khan had achieved much more than he ever could have imagined as a wandering nomad of the Mongolian Steppes. But Khan knew that in order to have a lasting legacy with these conquests he still needed to subdue the ancient Sung Dynasty of Southern China. Just as he was crossing over into this ancient realm of Southern China, Khan received word that his oldest son Juchi had died. The death of his firstborn seemed to strike Genghis Khan particularly hard - quite uncharacteristic of his usually stoic demeanor. When he heard of the loss of his son, he asked to be alone. He retreated to his tent where he wept bitterly. The advance into China went on however, but once the horde was firmly within Sung territory Genghis abruptly called for his eldest son Tuli—who was in the field nearby—to come to his tent. When Tuli entered, he found Genghis Khan huddled near a fire, wrapped in blankets and in a sick and weakened state. Khan, knowing that his own end was close, told his son, “It is clear to me that I must leave everything and go hence from thee.” Khan then gave his son clear instructions on how to proceed in the mission on the advent of his demise. He told him to take under his charge all of the lands of the East, while his son Chagatai would be assigned all of the lands to the west, with his son Ogotai as the ultimate successor ruling over them all.
The writer must have meant Tolui, the "youngest" son of Genghis Khan and his first wife Borte, who was the father of Monke and Kublai Khans. When did Genghis Khan ever be-gin/ -gene the conquest of Southern Song Empire?
Sigh...this book must be rewritten by an author who's an expert in the subject.
Again, the book is filled with wrong information, but it earns minimum 3 stars since it somehow did man’age to point out the reason for Genghis Khan’s phenomenal success: OPENMINDEDNESS & GENEROUSITY.
The entr’/ intr’o-duct’ion is fine. The book opens the gre’at stor’y with a nice starter & a viç/ big expectation for the readers.
Unfortunately, however, turns out the book is as disappointing as the size of that expectation from the introduction ending up with a really disappointing con-clos'/ -clus'ion.
The quest'ion in the following lines serves as the reason why the readers want to open and read this book:
(Kindle Ed., pp. 1-2)
The Mongolians went from one of the poorest and least organized communities on the planet to the most highly-disciplined fighting machine on the face of this Earth. Just how did this happen? There’s only one answer to that question: Genghis Khan...At the time of Khan’s birth in 1162, Mongolia was little more than a collection of loosely knit family-based tribes. How this unorganized group of wanderers would be able to turn themselves into the greatest fighting force and later the largest land empire ever known to man remains one of the greatest mysteries of history. In fact, nearly everyone that came in contact with the Mongolian military machine took it for granted at first, underestimating its power...
The book is filled with wrong en-/ in-form’ation, but it deserves minimum 3 stars since it at least “answers” the very quest'ion right: OPENMINDEDNESS & GENEROUSITY.
(Ibid., p. 13)
Khan now began in earnest his efforts to bring as many as he could under his power. In the beginning Khan’s aims were very simple; instead of political power, he was in search of manpower. First in the criteria of the men he would lead was loyalty. In regard to this Genghis Khan himself remarked, “What shall be said of a man who will make a promise at dawn and break it at nightfall?” Khan also sought to establish himself as a fair-minded leader by taking measures such as reforming the hunting rights of his subjects, allowing them to keep more of their hunted game for themselves. Allowing the warriors of harsh and frigid Mongolia to stock up on more meat for the winter would be an equivalent to a modern day politician given his constituents a big tax cut. Khan’s generosity with his men would be rewarded.
(Ibid., pp. 17-18)
In response, Genghis Khan simply opened his tent to show that he was not there, remarking to the onlookers, “Teb Tengri made plots against my brothers and struck them, and now the spirits of Heaven have taken away both his life and his body.” He thereby forged a myth, claiming that the spirits themselves had snatched the shaman up and transported him to the nether realms, thereby freeing himself and his family from any culpability in his demise. With this bit of shadow play, Genghis knew that he had beaten his own shamanic destiny. Free from the meddling of prophets and soothsayers, he was ready to be the complete and sole master of his own fate.
Great ancient leaders were all successful dealing with their world's natural science, which was religion and faith back in their days.
(Ibid., p. 22)
...Khan also commented on drinking in his codex; while not making alcohol consumption illegal, he stressed moderation since so many Mongolians had not died by the sword, but by the bottle of alcohol they were drinking.
So had Alexander the Great. And this was the very reason for the difference between the fates of the two empires after the founders' deaths.
(Ibid., p. 14)
He was believed to have a whole host of supernatural and meditative powers such as being able to withstand extreme temperature. According to the Persian historian Rashid al-Din, “in the heart of winter” Teb Tengri would “sit naked in the middle of a frozen river, and from the heat of his body the ice would melt and steam would rise from the water”.
Is that just me or everyone can also see one of these Shamans sitting in an outdoor spring fooling the innocent? lol
BTW, the writer Mr. Henry Freeman often mixes up the British and American punctuations breaking the form'at of his books with his own hands.
Seriously, countless errors are found all throughout the read!
One example is this following paragraph with many [pro]gramm’atical errors:
(Kindle Ed., p. 20)
According to legend, the conversion happened in dramatic fashion. The chieftain of the Karaits was lost somewhere in the wastelands of Central Asia near the end of his life, and he was supposedly contacted by some supernatural entity. This being told him he would survive and be able to find his way home if only he would only put his faith in Christ. According to the story, he was then somehow instantaneously transported back to his camp.
(Ibid., p. 1)
...However, when the Mongolian army had reached Nanjing, the Ch’in Dynasty had to accept the hard fact that Genghis Khan wasn’t going anywhere anytime soon...
A good Ængl'ish sentence, but wrong information: Nan-jing (Southern-capital) was the Song Imperial Capital, while Ch'in "Kim" Dynasty had her Imperial Capital near modern-day Bei-jing (Northern-capital).
(Ibid., pp. 1-2)
...This same realization dawned on the Shah of the Iranian/Afghanistan empire...
Correction: ...Iran/Afghanistan empire... (or) ...Iranian/Afghani empire...
(Ibid., p. 15)
...The shaman was well aware of this fact as well, and soon demonstrated his feelings of invincibility by calling upon the youngest brother of Khan, Temuge, for a meeting,
There must be a "period," not a "comma" to end a sentence...sigh.
(Ibid., p. 16)
His statement, meant to be a stern reproach, signalled to anyone “that” was listening “that” this was the end of his partnership with Genghis Khan...
Correction: His statement, meant to be a stern reproach, signaled to anyone listening that this was the end of his partnership with Genghis Khan...
(Ibid., p. 21)
As they were the same group that had murdered his own father, Genghis Khan had also sworn revenge against the Tatars. With such an excellent opportunity for his vengeance to unfold, Khan attacked the Tatars from the north as the Chinese army besieged them from the south. Genghis enlisted the aid of the Karaits in this endeavor, and the coalition was victorious...
The author keeps calling the Jin Empire (“Ch'in” he spells in this book) a “Chinese” empire, but Jin/ Gene (Kim or K'm in their own pronunciation meaning "Gold, the Eternal Color of the Sun") was founded and ruled by the Scytho-Tungus riders, the same as the Mungus (Mongol) People. Don't buy the CCP propaganda helping it with its hæ-stor’y dis-tort’ion.
(Ibid., p. 23)
With solidarity among the main tribes of Mongolia established, Khan then turned his eyes to the historic antagonist to the south: China. As it was better known at the time, the Ch’in Dynasty, was one of the longer running dynasties of the period, the same one that the name “China” is ultimately derived.
Total lack of bas'ic knowledge! It's been called Chin'a (or Chin in Frenc’h) based on the first unified empire “Chin” (some spell it “Qin”) of Chin-xi-hoangdæ (China's-first-emperor)! Jin Empire of the “Sir’a-Manchuri’an” riders (Kim Dynasty) was NOT one of the "H’an-Chin’ese” empires. Looks like the writer is ultim'ately NOT qualified to write a book of this top’ic or sub-je[c]t.
(Ibid., p. 23)
The Chi’n had been spreading division and discord among the Mongolians for centuries...
For centuries? The empire was only established in 1115 or 1116 and took the Song capital Kaifeng in 1127. However, she was soon destroyed, with the sudden rise of an'other nomadic Mongol Empire, by Genghis Khan's son & successor in 1234! What cent'uries?
(Ibid., p. 24)
...they were soon met by the front line defenses of the Chinese military “were” positioned on the frontier roads...
Correction: ...they were soon met by the frontline defenses of the Chinese military positioned on the frontier roads...
(Ibid., p. 24)
...it was here, outside these massive city walls”, that” Genghis Khan began to realize the exact kind of quandary “that” he had found himself in.
Correction: ...it was here, outside these massive city walls, where Genghis Khan began to realize the exact kind of quandary that he had found himself in.
(Ibid., p. 24)
...No matter how many of their soldiers Khan’s troops cut down, there Chi’n always had another supply of fresh-faced infantry that could be summoned and shipped down the river to fight his own slowly dwindling regiment anew.
Correction: ...No matter how many of their soldiers Khan’s troops cut down, there Ch'in always had another supply of fresh-faced infantry that could be summoned and shipped down the river to fight (end of the sentence).
Besides the constant incoherence (Ch'in and Chi'n), Jin/ Kim Empire of the Manchu Eurasian riders was fam’ous for her mighty cavalry['el] (gab[a]ri’el (mid’/ med’/ mess’enger = runner)).
(Ibid., p. 26)
The Emperor and the entire imperial capitol itself had been moved hastily to the Southern city of Nanjing just a few weeks prior. It was a bold move to attempt to gather strength and stave off political collapse, but for the most part it was a severe measure that backfired on the imperial government of the Chi’ns, leading to many of their subjects to move toward outright mutiny and rebellion.
Not to mention the typo (capit"o"l) and [p[u]r’o]gr’amm-at-ic-al error (leading "to" many of their subjects to move toward outright mutiny and rebellion), it was the riders of Jin Empire, who pushed Song Empire (now THIS was a “Chinese” dynasty) south to Nanjing in 1127. So how would the Jin riders move to settle in Nanjing, while it was the capital of "Southern" Song Empire, writer? He must have meant "Kaifeng," NOT Nanking (Nanjing). BTW, Song, too, would e-vent'ually be destroyed under the Mongol invasion by 1279.
(Ibid., p. 27)
This time around, Khan’s forces made it all the way to the outskirts of Nanjing. However, with the army facing starvation and disease, Khan realized that he would have to put off his final assault on the Chi’n dynasty once again as the summer drew to a close. Yet this time he wouldn’t leave the field without giving a direct message to the Emperor himself, telling him, “What do you think now of the war between us? All the provinces north of the Yellow River are in my power...
Nanjing was on the Yangtze Riverbank in the south, while it was "Kaifeng" on Yellow Riverbank in the north, the old capital of "Northern" Song Empire, later taken by the Jin riders from the Steppes.
(Ibid., pp. 27-28)
In the wake of such cruelty, this retreat back to the Gobi was only a very brief respite, the full force of Khan would once again strike the Chi’n Empire in early 1215. Sending his legions all the way to the new imperial stronghold in the south, this time Genghis Khan would be victorious and the Chi’n were completely defeated. With his bits of Mongolian sand, Khan managed, finally, to stem the tide of the great sea that had been the Chi’n Dynasty.
No, it would be his successor Ögedei Khan, who completed the conquest of Jin by 1234!
(Ibid., pp. 29-30)
With the initial idea of increasing trade, Khan set out to contact his nearest Muslim neighbor from the west, the Shah of Persia (modern-day Iran). The Shah himself was a great conqueror of a vast domain. Genghis sent his own envoy to the Shah with the infamous tidings, “I sent the greeting. I know your power and the great extent of your empire, and I look upon you as a most cherished son. On your part, you must know that I have conquered China and many Turkish nations. My country is an encampment of warriors, a mine of silver, and I have no need of other lands. To me it seems that we have an equal interest in encouraging trade between our subjects.” The Shah immediately took offense to this message, viewing it as condescending and unbelievably boisterous in its claims of conquest. He responded in irate incredulousness, “Who is Genghis Khan? Has he really conquered China?” Khan’s intermediaries, not seeking conflict, attempted to assuage the Shah’s ego a bit, and after downplaying Khan’s military might managed to set up a trade agreement. Relations then went on rather smoothly with Khan’s new trading partner for about a year until an unfortunate incident that would spark an all-out war. It began when a caravan of several hundred merchants from Khan were seized by one of the Shah’s governors and accused of harboring spies among them. The Shah, who was quite used to routinely capturing and killing supposed spies, didn’t think too much of it, and quickly ordered the governor to put the merchants to death. When Genghis Khan heard the news of what had happened to his envoy however, he was not going to take such an assault on his own merchants lightly. Khan was quick to demand recompense. He then sent another envoy to make his discontent known, but this envoy was also intercepted. The Shah then had the leader of this group summarily executed and then insulted the rest of the envoy by forcibly shaving off all of their beards. This of course was an outrage the Mongolian leader would not be able to tolerate; Khan sent his own declaration of war to the Shah in which he stated, “You have chosen war. That will happen which will happen, and what it is to be, we know not. God alone knows.” Genghis Khan then set his sights on the land of Khwarezmia, a conglomeration of nations that included modern day Iran, Afghanistan, and a few other portions of Central Asia, lands that had already spent centuries under the full dominion of Islam. Khwarezmia was an empire in its own right, but it was one that Khan was readily prepared to dismantle.
So, was the empire of Khwarezm the "Persian Empire" then? The writer's explanation is found too late later in the chapter causing a con-fus'ion among the readers.
(Ibid., p. 31)
...When they consulted one of the Chinese soothsayers that they had brought along with them they were informed that the snow signified “that the lord of the cold and wintry lands will overcome the lord of the warm climates...”
Correction: ...When they consulted one of the Chinese soothsayers they had brought along they were informed that the snow signified "the lord of the cold and wintry lands overcoming the lord of the warm climates..."
The writer really loves to use “that” too much!
(Ibid., p. 35)
With the untold conquest of northern China and the subjugation of the entire region of Iran and Afghanistan, Genghis Khan had achieved much more than he ever could have imagined as a wandering nomad of the Mongolian Steppes. But Khan knew that in order to have a lasting legacy with these conquests he still needed to subdue the ancient Sung Dynasty of Southern China. Just as he was crossing over into this ancient realm of Southern China, Khan received word that his oldest son Juchi had died. The death of his firstborn seemed to strike Genghis Khan particularly hard - quite uncharacteristic of his usually stoic demeanor. When he heard of the loss of his son, he asked to be alone. He retreated to his tent where he wept bitterly. The advance into China went on however, but once the horde was firmly within Sung territory Genghis abruptly called for his eldest son Tuli—who was in the field nearby—to come to his tent. When Tuli entered, he found Genghis Khan huddled near a fire, wrapped in blankets and in a sick and weakened state. Khan, knowing that his own end was close, told his son, “It is clear to me that I must leave everything and go hence from thee.” Khan then gave his son clear instructions on how to proceed in the mission on the advent of his demise. He told him to take under his charge all of the lands of the East, while his son Chagatai would be assigned all of the lands to the west, with his son Ogotai as the ultimate successor ruling over them all.
The writer must have meant Tolui, the "youngest" son of Genghis Khan and his first wife Borte, who was the father of Monke and Kublai Khans. When did Genghis Khan ever be-gin/ -gene the conquest of Southern Song Empire?
Sigh...this book must be rewritten by an author who's an expert in the subject.
Again, the book is filled with wrong information, but it earns minimum 3 stars since it somehow did man’age to point out the reason for Genghis Khan’s phenomenal success: OPENMINDEDNESS & GENEROUSITY.
January 20, 2025
A mini concise introduction to Genghis Khan, the great Mongolian emperor. The book was short and crisp with the necessary details to give context and I liked that.
December 6, 2018
Too brief.
Although the book intends to provide a sweeping summary of this great war tactician. For someone who conquered many lands, only the fall of the Shah of Persia and the Northern Chinese are mentioned. Lip service is also paid to the military tactics of one of the greatest military minds. This books falls short at the end, further reading on more books on Genghis is highly recommended. Another great bedtime read though.
Although the book intends to provide a sweeping summary of this great war tactician. For someone who conquered many lands, only the fall of the Shah of Persia and the Northern Chinese are mentioned. Lip service is also paid to the military tactics of one of the greatest military minds. This books falls short at the end, further reading on more books on Genghis is highly recommended. Another great bedtime read though.
September 12, 2025
Αρκετά καλό βιβλίο για να ξεκινήσει κανείς το ταξίδι του στην ιστορία της ανατολικής Ασίας και της Μέσης Ανατολής. Ένα αξέχαστο ταξίδι που θα σας οδηγήσει βαθιά στη ζωή και το έργο ενός απο τους πιο μυστηριώδεις και αδίστακτους ανθρώπους της ιστορίας. Πρόκειται για μια γρήγορη εισαγωγική αφήγηση για τη ζωή του Τζένγκις Χαν, την οποία θα συνιστούσα σε όποιον δεν είναι πολύ εξοικειωμένος με τον Χαν ή προτιμά μια γρήγορη ανάγνωση.
August 22, 2020
China’s and Mongolia’s Alexander the Great
I was surprised that the Chinese Jin, Turkish Muslims and Bulgars suffered the most from the Khan killing his emissaries.
I was surprised that the Chinese Jin, Turkish Muslims and Bulgars suffered the most from the Khan killing his emissaries.
April 21, 2023
Throughly enjoyed, Genghis Khan: A Life From Beginning to End, was without a doubt, a worthwhile read.
It was fast paced, covering the life of Temujin as a young boy, through the time of his death as Genghis Khan.
The book covers a lot of territory, transporting the reader along for the ride. Down dry riverbeds, through deserts and forest, and into the battlefields of Khan's life. You can almost feel the countryside as his forces move along.
Khan used cunning to draw opponents into battle and eventual conquest. He was a born leader, who demanded loyalty and rewarded those who remained with him.
He gave hope and pride to the Mongolian people, that lasts through today.
The book did not concentrate on the gore of his conquests, as everyone gets the picture, but instead, takes you on an interesting journey into the life of Genghis Khan.
I found this book hard to put down, very well done for what it is
Favorite quote in book:
“Apart from our shadows we have no friends.” —Hoelun in The Secret History of the Mongols
It was fast paced, covering the life of Temujin as a young boy, through the time of his death as Genghis Khan.
The book covers a lot of territory, transporting the reader along for the ride. Down dry riverbeds, through deserts and forest, and into the battlefields of Khan's life. You can almost feel the countryside as his forces move along.
Khan used cunning to draw opponents into battle and eventual conquest. He was a born leader, who demanded loyalty and rewarded those who remained with him.
He gave hope and pride to the Mongolian people, that lasts through today.
The book did not concentrate on the gore of his conquests, as everyone gets the picture, but instead, takes you on an interesting journey into the life of Genghis Khan.
I found this book hard to put down, very well done for what it is
Favorite quote in book:
“Apart from our shadows we have no friends.” —Hoelun in The Secret History of the Mongols
January 12, 2020
Excellent short history
Very concise and easy to read, covers the primary details well but does not delve into any great detail. Enjoyed it very much, would be even better if there were some references at the end to direct the reader to further more detailed reading.
Very concise and easy to read, covers the primary details well but does not delve into any great detail. Enjoyed it very much, would be even better if there were some references at the end to direct the reader to further more detailed reading.
October 13, 2022
Quick read - enjoy Hourly History
January 6, 2018
The name Genghis Khan is still known, throughout the world, by young and old. To this day, almost eight hundred years after he leads the Mongol hoards westward, ravaging, raping, killing a path of destruction through Eurasia, stories of him haunt the sleep of the young and innocent. What power did this man have? What makes him different from the wanton destruction wrought by other foreign invaders throughout the annals of history?
The man that would one day be given the title of Genghis Khan was born around 1162 under the name of Temujin. Temujin's family was reasonably wealthy and powerful but, as often in the case in those times of insecurity and danger, his family lost both, leaving Temujin not only poor and desolate but also a prisoner of his family’s enemies. He managed to escape from his captors, with the help of a few friends. Friends, like enemies, he never forgot. Unable to pay his armies, he was forced to pay his troops in plunder. This required that he continue to expand his field of influence in order to maintain this army. Like Napoleon Bonaparte, seven centuries later, Genghis Khan displayed not only tactical genius on the field of battle but also possessed an administrative brilliance that changed the lives of all he touched.
This biography is based, almost exclusively, on The Secret History of the Mongols, compiled in the 14th Century during the Ming Dynasty. The etymology of the title Genghis Kahn is unclear to modern scholars but is generally accepted that “Khan” means leader. It is far from your average rags to riches story as it sometimes reads more like an ancient romance novel than the story of a bloodthirsty barbarian. Considering how much of this man’s life is gleaned from The Secret History of the Mongols, this would logically be the only source to discover more.
The man that would one day be given the title of Genghis Khan was born around 1162 under the name of Temujin. Temujin's family was reasonably wealthy and powerful but, as often in the case in those times of insecurity and danger, his family lost both, leaving Temujin not only poor and desolate but also a prisoner of his family’s enemies. He managed to escape from his captors, with the help of a few friends. Friends, like enemies, he never forgot. Unable to pay his armies, he was forced to pay his troops in plunder. This required that he continue to expand his field of influence in order to maintain this army. Like Napoleon Bonaparte, seven centuries later, Genghis Khan displayed not only tactical genius on the field of battle but also possessed an administrative brilliance that changed the lives of all he touched.
This biography is based, almost exclusively, on The Secret History of the Mongols, compiled in the 14th Century during the Ming Dynasty. The etymology of the title Genghis Kahn is unclear to modern scholars but is generally accepted that “Khan” means leader. It is far from your average rags to riches story as it sometimes reads more like an ancient romance novel than the story of a bloodthirsty barbarian. Considering how much of this man’s life is gleaned from The Secret History of the Mongols, this would logically be the only source to discover more.
October 11, 2025
If popular legend is to be believed, Khan—who was not at all adverse to torturing his enemies—had the rest of these men thrown in huge pots and had them boiled alive.
Born in 1162.
The Chinese sowed dissent among the Mongol tribes.
Violence at an early age: fratricide, for eating a fish and not sharing with the rest of the family.
Traditions of just snatching women up and taking them.
It can be said that Genghis Khan himself was the product or rape and a forced marriage.
Married at 17 to Bourtai…who is then snatched at their own wedding—by the men of the family from whom Genghis’s father stole his mother.
Consolidating power amongst the clans.
Outside-the-box strategies; a brilliant tactician. Sieges, ambushes, trickery…
The Ivory Baton: a symbol of his leadership.
Nomadic warrior lifestyle.
Protecting his adopted father—and his people—from the fanatical Muslim invaders.
After victory over the Tatars, Genghis created the Yasa, his own legal code.
Attacking China—and winning—during the Ch’in Dynasty.
Plundering riches, supplies, and people.
Battle with the Shah of Persia.
After completely butchering Alexander the Great’s biography…was unsure what to expect here.
Editing errors drag this down. Repeated word usage; outright typos. Improper sentence structures. Sometimes abbreviation works (obviously); other times, it’s clearly just sloppiness.
The Mongolians went from one of the poorest and least organized communities on the planet to the most highly-disciplined fighting machine on the face of this Earth.
Born in 1162.
The Chinese sowed dissent among the Mongol tribes.
Violence at an early age: fratricide, for eating a fish and not sharing with the rest of the family.
Traditions of just snatching women up and taking them.
It can be said that Genghis Khan himself was the product or rape and a forced marriage.
Married at 17 to Bourtai…who is then snatched at their own wedding—by the men of the family from whom Genghis’s father stole his mother.
Consolidating power amongst the clans.
Outside-the-box strategies; a brilliant tactician. Sieges, ambushes, trickery…
The Ivory Baton: a symbol of his leadership.
Nomadic warrior lifestyle.
Protecting his adopted father—and his people—from the fanatical Muslim invaders.
After victory over the Tatars, Genghis created the Yasa, his own legal code.
Attacking China—and winning—during the Ch’in Dynasty.
Plundering riches, supplies, and people.
Battle with the Shah of Persia.
After completely butchering Alexander the Great’s biography…was unsure what to expect here.
Editing errors drag this down. Repeated word usage; outright typos. Improper sentence structures. Sometimes abbreviation works (obviously); other times, it’s clearly just sloppiness.
The Mongolians went from one of the poorest and least organized communities on the planet to the most highly-disciplined fighting machine on the face of this Earth.
March 17, 2025
Genghis Khan's life is a good example of a legacy that one should never focus on building. For personal aspirations of land and wealth accumulation, the weak rulers of history have always been conducting devastating attacks and wars, as well as justifying them with their manipulated statements and well-crafted reasons. Modern-day rulers must learn from such historical examples that legacy isn't about making wars, controlling those who aren't attacking them, and doing mass murders of captives and innocents, but it's about bringing beauty and peace to this world. Isn't that what every parent would want their child to enjoy, or would they want their child to find the skeletons they've buried in their backyards?!!
There is no strength in being a controller or an authoritarian leader. The strength lies in ensuring a peaceful co-existence of humankind. People like Genghis Khan choose to do the opposite, because they can't work on the complex task of loving their fellow humans and making world peace possible. Warriors are those who are soldiers, not murderers...they defend their land from enemy attacks but do not go on to initiate wars for any kind of gains or for simply putting down their names in the history books. That's the evil of legacy building, which we can still see in the present world. If the rulers don't learn from the mistakes of their ancestors, then they're going to repeat the same mistakes, and the evil legacy continues...if they want peace, then they must act now! I thank the author for putting down a great story in a short read.
There is no strength in being a controller or an authoritarian leader. The strength lies in ensuring a peaceful co-existence of humankind. People like Genghis Khan choose to do the opposite, because they can't work on the complex task of loving their fellow humans and making world peace possible. Warriors are those who are soldiers, not murderers...they defend their land from enemy attacks but do not go on to initiate wars for any kind of gains or for simply putting down their names in the history books. That's the evil of legacy building, which we can still see in the present world. If the rulers don't learn from the mistakes of their ancestors, then they're going to repeat the same mistakes, and the evil legacy continues...if they want peace, then they must act now! I thank the author for putting down a great story in a short read.
August 23, 2023
Ruthless warrior, visionary leader, and enigmatic figure, Genghis Khan's legacy echoes through history as a force that reshaped the world. In "Genghis Khan: A Life From Beginning To End," the concise yet informative narrative crafted by Hourly History offers readers a compelling glimpse into the life and impact of one of history's most formidable conquerors.
The book traces Genghis Khan's journey from his early life as Temüjin, a vulnerable child from the harsh Mongolian steppes, to his transformation into the founder of the Mongol Empire. Hourly History deftly navigates through the pivotal events that shaped Genghis Khan's character and decisions, presenting a well-rounded perspective of his motivations, strengths, and complexities.
The narrative paints a vivid picture of the challenges and adversities that Temüjin faced, highlighting the brutal realities of his environment and the intricate web of tribal politics that shaped his destiny. His rise from a young outcast to a charismatic leader who united disparate tribes under a single banner is a testament to his strategic brilliance and unyielding determination.
Hourly History's concise approach offers a quick and accessible overview of Genghis Khan's life and accomplishments, making it an ideal starting point for those seeking an introduction to this historical figure. The book provides insights into Genghis Khan's innovative military tactics, his role in connecting East and West through the Silk Road, and the far-reaching consequences of his legacy.
While the book's brevity ensures a focused exploration of Genghis Khan's life, it also leaves room for readers to delve deeper into specific aspects of his story should they wish to do so. The writing style is engaging and succinct, allowing the narrative to flow smoothly while still conveying the complexity of the historical context.
In "Genghis Khan: A Life From Beginning To End," Hourly History succeeds in encapsulating the essence of Genghis Khan's life and impact within a concise yet informative framework. Whether you're new to his story or seeking a concise refresher on his legacy, this book provides a valuable glimpse into the life of a conqueror whose indomitable spirit forever altered the course of history.
The book traces Genghis Khan's journey from his early life as Temüjin, a vulnerable child from the harsh Mongolian steppes, to his transformation into the founder of the Mongol Empire. Hourly History deftly navigates through the pivotal events that shaped Genghis Khan's character and decisions, presenting a well-rounded perspective of his motivations, strengths, and complexities.
The narrative paints a vivid picture of the challenges and adversities that Temüjin faced, highlighting the brutal realities of his environment and the intricate web of tribal politics that shaped his destiny. His rise from a young outcast to a charismatic leader who united disparate tribes under a single banner is a testament to his strategic brilliance and unyielding determination.
Hourly History's concise approach offers a quick and accessible overview of Genghis Khan's life and accomplishments, making it an ideal starting point for those seeking an introduction to this historical figure. The book provides insights into Genghis Khan's innovative military tactics, his role in connecting East and West through the Silk Road, and the far-reaching consequences of his legacy.
While the book's brevity ensures a focused exploration of Genghis Khan's life, it also leaves room for readers to delve deeper into specific aspects of his story should they wish to do so. The writing style is engaging and succinct, allowing the narrative to flow smoothly while still conveying the complexity of the historical context.
In "Genghis Khan: A Life From Beginning To End," Hourly History succeeds in encapsulating the essence of Genghis Khan's life and impact within a concise yet informative framework. Whether you're new to his story or seeking a concise refresher on his legacy, this book provides a valuable glimpse into the life of a conqueror whose indomitable spirit forever altered the course of history.
July 11, 2020
This book was free on Amazon, and quite short so I bought it to read to my boys. I was quite disappointed however, with the quality. There were a huge number of typos and other editing mistakes - sometimes multiple errors in one paragraph. At first I thought that this was because the book was self published, but it isn't. This is my first experience with the publishing company Hourly History, but if this book is any guide they are an incredibly sloppy publisher. These errors often disrupted the flow of the narrative so that I had to stop and figure out what the author was trying to say.
There were also quite a few historical inaccuracies. Just one example - the author states that the Shah of The Khwarezmian Empire was unfamiliar with the false retreats of the steppe nomads but this is false. He was not only familiar with these tactics, having fought steppe nomads before, but had used them himself.
I applaud the effort to make a short introductory biography, but some heavy editing and fact checking is needed.
There were also quite a few historical inaccuracies. Just one example - the author states that the Shah of The Khwarezmian Empire was unfamiliar with the false retreats of the steppe nomads but this is false. He was not only familiar with these tactics, having fought steppe nomads before, but had used them himself.
I applaud the effort to make a short introductory biography, but some heavy editing and fact checking is needed.
August 5, 2023
Is This An Overview?
Genghis Khan unified the Mongolian tribes into an empire. Turning unorganized groups of travelers into a powerful military force. Various states underestimated the Mongolian might under Genghis Khan. A misjudgment with tragic consequences. The power of the Mongolian Empire enabled them to receive tribute from other powerful states, while defending Mongolian interests.
The tribes were united using various strategies, but that did not prevent tribal recrimination of past deeds. The Khan developed a legal system that enabled coexistence. Reformed property rights to become more inclusive and to foster longer term investments. The Khan was bound by a shamanic destiny, but was able to overcome destiny to forge a path of one’s own.
Caveats?
This is a very short book, which focuses on some major events in Genghis Khan’s life. That means that many details will be missing, along with cultural information. Describing what happened, but with limited explanation to why the events happened and their interpretation by others.
Genghis Khan unified the Mongolian tribes into an empire. Turning unorganized groups of travelers into a powerful military force. Various states underestimated the Mongolian might under Genghis Khan. A misjudgment with tragic consequences. The power of the Mongolian Empire enabled them to receive tribute from other powerful states, while defending Mongolian interests.
The tribes were united using various strategies, but that did not prevent tribal recrimination of past deeds. The Khan developed a legal system that enabled coexistence. Reformed property rights to become more inclusive and to foster longer term investments. The Khan was bound by a shamanic destiny, but was able to overcome destiny to forge a path of one’s own.
Caveats?
This is a very short book, which focuses on some major events in Genghis Khan’s life. That means that many details will be missing, along with cultural information. Describing what happened, but with limited explanation to why the events happened and their interpretation by others.
January 10, 2022
3 stars
Being the greatest conquerer Genghis khan has always fascinated me. The book is short and precise and gives basic information about his life, but I think to cover someone like Genghis more groundwork need's to be done. Don't blame the author for this as it was a short read, but after finishing it I did not feel that I know a lot about this great warrior. An average read as it gives a quick peek of his life.
Being the greatest conquerer Genghis khan has always fascinated me. The book is short and precise and gives basic information about his life, but I think to cover someone like Genghis more groundwork need's to be done. Don't blame the author for this as it was a short read, but after finishing it I did not feel that I know a lot about this great warrior. An average read as it gives a quick peek of his life.
December 10, 2019
One of the shortest reads in this series of short books about history and historical figures.
a lot is missing, as you would imagine in the case of such a larger than life character like Genghis Khan, ruthless leader and unparalleled conqueror like no other in history.
Yet, if you are not familiar with the subject it gives you at least a few basics notions about his life and the world he lived in and forever changed.
a lot is missing, as you would imagine in the case of such a larger than life character like Genghis Khan, ruthless leader and unparalleled conqueror like no other in history.
Yet, if you are not familiar with the subject it gives you at least a few basics notions about his life and the world he lived in and forever changed.
August 20, 2020
The book is a great read, albeit brief. It seems like a succinct biography captured in as little pages as possible. It is a short story of an exceptional leader & conqueror.
While it does not provide specific dates or an in-depth analysis of his life and triumphs, it does manage to offer a concise version of his life.
May not be the choice for anyone who wants to deep dive into his life. However, it is a great place to start.
While it does not provide specific dates or an in-depth analysis of his life and triumphs, it does manage to offer a concise version of his life.
May not be the choice for anyone who wants to deep dive into his life. However, it is a great place to start.
February 9, 2022
Excellent
Excellent summary of a story that probably has more than 200,000 pages in 50+ different books. This book is really good to provide the basic, the story and even the mystery of the death of the famous Khan. The only that could make this book a 110% is a map! (Which I just mention because I am not great at geography when they talk old and current territory and also, I love old maps)
Excellent summary of a story that probably has more than 200,000 pages in 50+ different books. This book is really good to provide the basic, the story and even the mystery of the death of the famous Khan. The only that could make this book a 110% is a map! (Which I just mention because I am not great at geography when they talk old and current territory and also, I love old maps)
May 9, 2018
Mostly based on the Secret History of the Mongols - it does read quickly and covers the important conquests of Genghis Khan. It's hard to complain about repetition, given that's what Genghis Khan did. But it's hard to keep interest once it's just conquest-conquest-conquest. Jeez, conquerors, mix it up a little!
June 4, 2020
A brief view on the life of Genghis Khan... it was a good read, well paced and single seating book.. although in just 40pages you can’t cover everything but what was covered was good enough and impressive writing.. very concise and to the point...only if the last days of him covered a bit more, would have been nice, I felt the ending was abruptly finished...
September 7, 2020
Concise and to the point.
Loved the way whole life of the man was expressed. Don't know if there is any sequel of this book, as story of expansion and end of the empire that was created by him.
As for this book it is really awesome. You can read the whole life story (just important happenings) at one go.
Loved the way whole life of the man was expressed. Don't know if there is any sequel of this book, as story of expansion and end of the empire that was created by him.
As for this book it is really awesome. You can read the whole life story (just important happenings) at one go.
March 12, 2021
I was fascinated by the Mongols when my history teacher told me about them trying to conquer India. I also knew Genghis Khan was their leader. So it was fun reading about him.
The book was awesome. It started out with Genghis Khan's revenge, his conquest in China, and his last days.
History lovers who want to get more knowledge on the Asian conquests must read this book.
The book was awesome. It started out with Genghis Khan's revenge, his conquest in China, and his last days.
History lovers who want to get more knowledge on the Asian conquests must read this book.
August 28, 2021
The wrath of God?
Hourly history freebie, they pass them out on fridays. Suitable for teens and adults. His armies decimated entire areas and yet he is called a great leader. Few of his admirers point out how many rebellions occurred from conquests who wanted to be free. Temujin died while putting down a rebellion in northern China.
Hourly history freebie, they pass them out on fridays. Suitable for teens and adults. His armies decimated entire areas and yet he is called a great leader. Few of his admirers point out how many rebellions occurred from conquests who wanted to be free. Temujin died while putting down a rebellion in northern China.
November 17, 2021
Excellent depiction of a strong and determined leader. From the Steppes to a major portion the know world.
This as your other” One Hour History " concise writings are very thought provocing an most enjoyable !! I definitely look forward to all of your mini novels.
What more can I add ?
This as your other” One Hour History " concise writings are very thought provocing an most enjoyable !! I definitely look forward to all of your mini novels.
What more can I add ?
February 20, 2022
I received this book free from Amazon and it is part of the Hourly history collection (https://hourlyhistory.com)
These books are mostly about historical events or historical persons.
This one is about Genghis Khan the greatest conqueror in history and has all the important information about the remarkable man who united all Mongolian tribes who were no more than bandits in a mighty empire across Euroasia, in a very concise way (you can read it within an hour).
This is my assessment of this book Genghis Khan by Hourly history according to my 7 criteria:
1. Related to practice - 3 stars
2. It prevails important - 4 stars (it could contain some additional interesting facts).
3. I agree with the read - 5 stars
4. not difficult to read (as for non-English native) - 3 stars
5. Too long (more than 500 pages) - short and concise (150-200 pages) - 5 stars
6. Boring - every sentence is interesting - 4 stars
7. Learning opportunity - 4 stars
8. Dry and uninspired style of writing - Smooth style with humouristic and fun parts - 3 stars
Total 3.875 stars
These books are mostly about historical events or historical persons.
This one is about Genghis Khan the greatest conqueror in history and has all the important information about the remarkable man who united all Mongolian tribes who were no more than bandits in a mighty empire across Euroasia, in a very concise way (you can read it within an hour).
This is my assessment of this book Genghis Khan by Hourly history according to my 7 criteria:
1. Related to practice - 3 stars
2. It prevails important - 4 stars (it could contain some additional interesting facts).
3. I agree with the read - 5 stars
4. not difficult to read (as for non-English native) - 3 stars
5. Too long (more than 500 pages) - short and concise (150-200 pages) - 5 stars
6. Boring - every sentence is interesting - 4 stars
7. Learning opportunity - 4 stars
8. Dry and uninspired style of writing - Smooth style with humouristic and fun parts - 3 stars
Total 3.875 stars
July 3, 2022
This book is a brief yet simple introduction to the famous historical figure, Genghis Khan. It is a quick read that focuses on the life & times of the Mongolian warlord & his fearless warriors who were a thorn in the sides of many an empire. It is a good book to familiarize yourself with a fascinating slice of medieval history in a fascinating part of the world.
March 5, 2023
Attention grabbing
This book flows beautifully, moments of pause for thought of how history is generally swayed one way by different points of view. The author did an applaudable job of focusing on historical facts and not opinions to help keep an open mind to who Ghengis Khan may have been even though there is so much secrecy and legend to the man.
This book flows beautifully, moments of pause for thought of how history is generally swayed one way by different points of view. The author did an applaudable job of focusing on historical facts and not opinions to help keep an open mind to who Ghengis Khan may have been even though there is so much secrecy and legend to the man.
June 17, 2023
This is a short but engrossing biography of one of the greatest military leaders in human history. Khan's life reads like something out of a Robert E. Howard story as he fights his way from being an orphan nomad to the head of an empire. This book reads like a grand adventure and is a good introduction to Khan's life.
September 28, 2018
He was born, he killed his brotger, he got married, had a bunch of kids, tried to take over the worl, did pretty well at it, then died. No new facts were learned. Easy and interesting read, if a bit dry.
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