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Монгол гүн Ларсон
Frans August Larson was a Swedish missionary to Mongolia, this is the account of his travels around central Asia. Larson would go on to become a trusted diplomat well versed in the politics and tribal functions common on the border of China and Mongolia. An absorbing account of a young man's travels in this unknown land. Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. We are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork.
- GenresHistory
First published March 15, 2007
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
December 17, 2017
grassroots anthropology
Reading this extraordinarily modest book, you have to read between the lines to understand the whole. A Swede goes out to Mongolia as a missionary in 1893 and winds up staying for 35 years, dropping out of the proselytization biz early on. He starts dealing in horses and in some fashion ends up as advisor to top Mongols, knowing everyone in the vast grasslands, and loving the Mongol way of life. You find out very few personal details. He came to know Mongolia as few Westerners ever did, pace Marco Polo. He married an American missionary, he got rich, but he never became a writer, just penning this most matter-of-fact description of life among the nomads, lamas, and princes of that faroff land back in the days before the commissars turned it into a mini-Stalinist hell for 30 years. I was sure, after reading this most fascinating book, that Larson was not responsible for the title. The publishers no doubt tacked those words on to attract attention. He never mentions this "duke" deal. The author's descriptions are full of color and life, even if his style is somewhat dry. He gives details of marriage and other life cycle ceremonies, of nomad daily life, of the Mongols' love of horses, of the Living Buddha who ruled spiritually from Urga (now Ulaan Baatar), of missionaries, merchants, and the political history of his times. Trained anthropologists might have written more technically about various aspects of society, but Larson's description is anthropological without any effort. Roy Chapman Andrews may be more dashing, with colorful episodes of hunting and dinosaur eggs, but Larson is the real McCoy. If you want to know about Mongolia back in the period 1895-1925, you should get your hands on this book.
Reading this extraordinarily modest book, you have to read between the lines to understand the whole. A Swede goes out to Mongolia as a missionary in 1893 and winds up staying for 35 years, dropping out of the proselytization biz early on. He starts dealing in horses and in some fashion ends up as advisor to top Mongols, knowing everyone in the vast grasslands, and loving the Mongol way of life. You find out very few personal details. He came to know Mongolia as few Westerners ever did, pace Marco Polo. He married an American missionary, he got rich, but he never became a writer, just penning this most matter-of-fact description of life among the nomads, lamas, and princes of that faroff land back in the days before the commissars turned it into a mini-Stalinist hell for 30 years. I was sure, after reading this most fascinating book, that Larson was not responsible for the title. The publishers no doubt tacked those words on to attract attention. He never mentions this "duke" deal. The author's descriptions are full of color and life, even if his style is somewhat dry. He gives details of marriage and other life cycle ceremonies, of nomad daily life, of the Mongols' love of horses, of the Living Buddha who ruled spiritually from Urga (now Ulaan Baatar), of missionaries, merchants, and the political history of his times. Trained anthropologists might have written more technically about various aspects of society, but Larson's description is anthropological without any effort. Roy Chapman Andrews may be more dashing, with colorful episodes of hunting and dinosaur eggs, but Larson is the real McCoy. If you want to know about Mongolia back in the period 1895-1925, you should get your hands on this book.
February 12, 2026
A surprisingly wonderful read—especially because it digs into a period of Mongolian history that was heavily distorted and brainwashed by socialist time. The book sheds light on some historical figures like the Bogd, who were portrayed in completely different, often misleading ways in the movies and textbooks we grew up with. Everywhere i read he was portrayed someone bad, demonic, greedy foreigner.
Even when you know those old portrayals were biased, the images tend to stick in your mind. That’s why reading a version of history that isn’t filtered through socialist propaganda feels both refreshing and pleasing. This book is written simple way, no heavy reference or fact checking which makes it even BETTER read. i plan to check out the other books that author mentioned.
Also Mongolian translation is awesome, kudos to the translator, i rediscovered some Mongolian words i forgot or never used recetnly.
so apparently i added it to read in 2013, but the found the book in book market 2 years ago, finally read it after 13 years later. :)
Even when you know those old portrayals were biased, the images tend to stick in your mind. That’s why reading a version of history that isn’t filtered through socialist propaganda feels both refreshing and pleasing. This book is written simple way, no heavy reference or fact checking which makes it even BETTER read. i plan to check out the other books that author mentioned.
Also Mongolian translation is awesome, kudos to the translator, i rediscovered some Mongolian words i forgot or never used recetnly.
so apparently i added it to read in 2013, but the found the book in book market 2 years ago, finally read it after 13 years later. :)
October 9, 2012
The only book written by the Duke of Mongolia. A must read for anyone interested in Central Asia at the turn of the twentieth century. Larson is praised by all the great explorers of that time for his skill as a caravaner, his bravery and stoicism, and his compassion for the Mongolian land and peoples.
June 13, 2012
Excellent book! And such great insight of Mongolia from about 1900-1930, through this man's eyes. You can tell he really loves Mongolia and the Mongol people. :-)
October 5, 2023
Like another reviewer said, after reading this book I also highly doubt that Larson chose this title. His narrative is deeply personable and modest, using his perspective to give insight on the Mongolian people and culture rather than brag about his many personal exploits (and there was certainly plenty he could have bragged about.) This book was absolutely fascinating from a cultural and historical perspective, but I think my favorite parts were his descriptions of the many friendships he made and the relationships he formed. Larson obviously had such a heart for people, and it shines so clearly in this narrative.
September 9, 2012
"Duke" Larson is mentioned by all explorers and adventurers who were in Central Asia at the turn of the century. His writing is unpretentious and yet colorful and informative. He speaks with personal knowledge of Sven Hedin, Roy Chapman Andrews and many others. Stories were told by many of Larson's ability to lead caravans and exist under extreme conditions.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews