Customer Reviews

Kubla Khan: The Emperor of Everything

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

World history is filled with Asian emperors who controlled vast realms but very few of them resonate in the West. How much does the average educated American know about Babur or Tamerlane? With the exception of Kubla Khan, I doubt most people could name a single Chinese Emperor. Yet Kubla Khan reaches out through the centuries because of his relationship with Marco Polo. Without the Venetian traveller, he would join the ranks of other obscure Mongolians.

Kathleen Krull is a solid writer and she does a very good job of touching on the highlites of Kubla Khan's long reign. The scope of his Empire and the luxory of his Court stand in wonderful contrast to the European monarchs of the time. In our current century where we are now experiencing the rise of Asia, it is important for children to see that the West was not always the dominate region of the World. My only problem with this book is the eccentric illustration style of Robert Byrd. There is a psychodelic aspect to his illustrations that is not quite fitting in a children's history book. Nevertheless, this is a good book and I would recommend it.

I enjoy reading books about the past, but most of what I've read in both children's and adult books has focused on the American experience. So I was thrilled to hear about this book. Kubla Khan was a man of contradictions. A just ruler under most conditions, his armies destroyed many villages, massacring any who refused to become part of Khan's growing empire. It was interesting to read about Kubla's mother who was determined to have her children make a mark in the world and did everything in her power to provide them with a chance to do so.

Clearly a man of great intelligence and leadership ability, Khan left a mark that can still be seen in Asia today. One thing I found especially fascinating was how involved in his life, his mother, and second wife were. In a time where women were seen as inferior and incompetent, these women had a big impact on Khan's life, personal and professional. The book is too long for a short read-a-loud, but there is plenty of detail for discussion.

The illustrations are very detailed as well as colorful and bright. The illustrations compliment the text beautifully. I highly recommend this book for those who enjoy reading about the world.

When Kubla Khan was a mere three-years-old he began riding a horse. Mongolians were warriors and survival skills training came early. It has been said that "when he shot his first rabbit, he placed it at the feet of his proud grandfather." Genghis Khan mixed a bit of the child's blood with the meat and blood of his slaughter and gave it to him to eat. It was said that this would bring him luck and would "show he was officially worthy of the hunt. Mongol warriors were ruthless and feared and his grandfather, one of the best, united the "warring Mongol tribes." They were a nomadic people who were "very tough" and fearless. Kubla would become one of the greatest of them all.

Kubla's mother was no exception in the "tough" department and was not one to be "messed with." Her mission in life was to "mold all four of her sons into great leaders." Kubla learned well and when he was "twenty-one he was given a territory to govern." He was a fair and tolerant ruler, but he was greedy and wanted more, more, and more. His wife Chabi was equally ambitious and by the time he was forty-five he was "elected the Khan, the Khan of all Khans." His empire was massive, but he wanted to conquer all of China. They were a civilized people, something he greatly admired and envied. How would he conquer these admirable people? Would they become part of his kingdom? Would it be possible to rule the world?

This is a stunning portrait of Kubla Khan, one of greatest rulers the world has ever seen. The tale was created from materials gleaned from some very reliable sources as the information we know "about Kubla Khan is sketchy." I read with great interest as little vignettes such as the fact that he had "approximately one hundred children" came to light in these pages. The dynamic artwork was very detailed and reflected the life and times of the people quite nicely. The magnificent frontispiece was striking and at first glance looked like a mandala. Kubla Khan is surrounded by panels which reflect events in his life. The symbolism woven into the portrait was amazing. There are guardian lions (Fu), dragons (power, strength, good luck) and he is even holding an owl, which at that time would have been a tribute to Athena, the goddess of war. This book is a Junior Library Guild Selection, one well worth adding to your collection!