I bought Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World because it sounded interesting and was the most efficient way to use my monthly credit on audible.com. What an amazing story. Genghis Khan in my mind is undoubtedly one of the most successful men in history. All that you know about him is probably wrong. My world view has shifted significantly. He’s responsible for the structure of most of Asia, trade routes between Asia and Europe, the separation of church from state and the idea that a country’s leaders are not above the law.
The book chronicles his life and that of his direct and not-so-direct ancestors. The latter chapter finish with discussion of how the world view of Genghis Khan moved from admiration to loathing. It’s sad to recognise how some of the cultural narratives I’ve grown up with have been seeded by people who knew nothing or were so self centered as to impose their views for their own protection.
This story has only come to light in the past ten years as areas of Mongolia became open to scholars the world over. I hope you take the time to read his book and learn about the framework in which most of our world history resides.