Genghis Khan, by Leo De Hartog (2004)

When we learn about history here in the USA, most of our ancient history centers on the Greeks and Romans with little about any other civilizations except to mention them if they come in contact with the objects of our study. We forget about Asia, generally, and give short shrift to the conqueror that actually was the greatest in history, Genghis Khan. Books about Genghis Khan are generally just not available except for an old one by Howard Lamb you may find in some dusty library, but this volume by Leo De Hartog is badly needed.

De Hartog's book is the only one commonly available in English, yet it is not the best reading for a general reader. Admitting that details about most of the early life of Genghis Khan have been lost, we plunge into the forging of the Mongol Horde, by Temujin - Genghis Khan's early name.

The Mongols as we know them today were forged over an extended period of time from nomadic tribal clans by Temujin. De Hartog covers this interesting period by describing the various tribes and rivalries, alliances, and wars that led to Temujin ultimately being acclaimed the leader of the confederation. With the core of several loyal tribes Temujin was able to war against rival tribes and assimilate the survivors into his horde. He needed an ally to war against the Merkits, a powerful rival, and found help from Wang Khan, a warlord who had been his father's ally. When treachery arose from the Khan's side, he was defeated by Temujin and his followers assimilated. The rest of the Mongol tribes were similarly conquered or submitted to Temujin's rule. Temujin became known as Genghis Khan – a title whose meaning has become forgotten through time.

Genghis Khan was known for his shrewd tactics and because of this has a checkered reputation today. The Mongols were not above negotiating surrender of a city then once the people were in their power putting every living thing to the sword. Similarly, surrender of troops to the Mongols usually resulted in death for all. On rare occasions, the Mongols would accept highly trained troops into their ranks but that was the exception, not the rule.

As the Mongols overspread Asia, they came in conflict with two great civilizations, the Chinese and the Persians or Kwarasmids. The Mongols were particularly harsh with these Muslims and to this day are thought of with horror in the Middle East where nearly all the Persians were exterminated, often using subterfuges like those noted above. Genghis' great generals were Muqali, Jebe and Subudei. These were often detached for independent operations. Therefore, the Mongols could strike anywhere without warning.

During his lifetime, Genghis Khan carved an empire out of the center of Eurasia like a fat slice out of the middle of a watermelon. Stretching between the Caspian Sea and running east to the Sea of Japan. De Hartog covers all the conquests of Genghis' successors, Ogedai, Guluk, Mongke, and Batu which extended the territories into Europe, only stopping at the formidable barrier of the Danube.

De Hartog points out that the successors never lived long enough to continue or consolidate their conquests. The main reason that the Mongols did not overrun Europe was because of the Kuriltai or assembly required each time a new Khan was acclaimed. This required the Mongols to return to Mongolia to ensure that their voices were heard. Although Genghis Khan had forged a strong empire, he did not forge strong leaders to continue to implement his policies. Thus, in a mere half century or so following his death, all the gains he had made were slipping away as each petty Khan carved out his favored piece.

The book is not lengthy, only about 250 pages, but the writing style is a bit dry and the unfamiliar geography of Asia is not explained very well and frequent consultation with the maps, included, is necessary to understand the text.

History buffs may enjoy Genghis Khan more than general readers.

Recommended: Yes