Book description
Recounts the genealogy and life of Genghis Khan, stories of his ancestors, the rise of the Mongol Empire, and the culture and customs of thirteenth-century Mongolia
Why read it?
1 author picked The Secret History of the Mongols as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?
Overall, my list focuses on books that deal with warfare by non-states in the pre-modern world.
The nomads of the Eurasian steppe are a primary example of such warring peoples, even as they fought in a world filled with states. The "Secret History" was composed by the Mongols, after their rise to imperial power, but it was about their pre-imperial wars with each other and with similar nomads.
It showcases the values, motives, and methods of pre-imperial Mongols. It is a fascinating insight into how they viewed their place in the world and the role of war in it. There…
From Wayne's list on war beyond the state.
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