Genghis Khan, or Changez Khan, as he is called in India has been this enigmatic historical figure whose name and conquests were heard at times during childhood, but never fully explored. The dreaded warrior who ruled over much of Asia to the East and West.
My interest was further kindled years ago by the Age of Conqueror game from Microsoft, which had a campaign designed for this warrior. The recently released movie once again fueled the interest.
So when I came across this huge book on Genghis Khan, there was no way I was going to let the opportunity to explore the life of Genghis Khan go by.
The author, Frank McLynn, has written many critically acclaimed biographies, including Marcus Aurelius and Richard & John. He has been a visiting professor at Strathclyde University and lives in England.
Genghis Khan: His Conquests, His Empire, His Legacy
Author: Frank McLynn
Pages: 704
Publisher: Da Capo Press (July 14, 2015)
ISBN-10: 0306823950, 978-0306823954
The 600+ page book unfolds the story of Genghis Khan from his birth as Temujin to his crowning as the Khan of Khans.
Genghis Khan is mostly known for his violent conquests, but the book tells us that he was equally just and a master administrator. Mongols were mostly an assortment of tribes, constantly fighting for mere survival. After uniting under Genghis Khan, the Mongolian empire was almost as big, if not more, as that under Alexander the Great. This feat is almost impossible to achieve without the abilities of a great leader and a master strategist.
The author gives you an event-by-event account of all the key occurrences in Temujin’s life and Geghis Khan’s plan to win Northern China and invade all of West Asia till Baghdad.
The detailed account of Genghis Khan’s life is overwhelming at times, but the narration in a story-like form makes it almost impossible to keep the book aside.
You will feel Temujin’s sorrow at the death of his father and participate in his struggle to survive and save his mother and wife. You will marvel at his ability to bounce back, recruit warriors and his charisma and grit to command a small army and plan vengeance on his enemy.
The author gives you a detailed view of the harsh Mongol terrain and their culture. Their heavy dependence on erratic weather conditions and difficult life as nomads. The author also talks about significant actions and happenings in the surrounding kingdoms and the political situation which helps paint a complete picture of the Mongolian world in the early 13th century.
A fascinating account of Genghis Khan’s life and times, and his character, the book is an amazing read for History lovers.