The Secret History of the Mongols: A Mongolian Epic Chronicle of the Thirteenth Century (2 Vol. Set) [Paperback]

Igor De Rachewiltz (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 9004153640 | ISBN-13: 978-9004153646 | Publication Date: July 30, 2006 | Edition: New edition

Brill is proud to announce the paperback edition of the much-acclaimed standard work, "Secret History of the Mongols" by Igor de Rachewiltz. The 13th century "Secret History of the Mongols", covering the great Einggis Qan's (1162-1227) ancestry and life, stands out as a literary monument of first magnitude. Written partly in prose and partly in epic poetry, it is the major native source on Einggis Qan, also dealing with part of the reign of his son and successor, Ogodei (r. 1229-41). This true handbook contains an historical introduction, a full translation of the chronicle in accessible English, plus an extensive commentary. Indispensable for the historian, the Sino-Mongolist, the Altaic philologist, and anyone interested in comparative literature and Central Asian folklore, the "Secret History of the Mongols" has been selected by "Choice" as Outstanding Academic Title (2005).

Editorial Reviews

Review

"'...de Rachewiltz sweeps the board in a most convincing way.' D.O. Morgan, Social Anthropology, 2005."

About the Author

Igor De Rachewiltz, Ph.D. (1961) in Chinese History, The Australian National University, has published extensively on the political and cultural history of China and Mongolia in the 12th-14th centuries, and on Sino-Mongolian philology. He is at present an Emeritus Fellow in the Pacific and Asian History Division of the ANU.

Product Details

• Paperback: 1349 pages
• Publisher: Brill Academic Publishers; New edition edition (July 30, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 9004153640
• ISBN-13: 978-9004153646
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6 x 3.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,395,731 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #58 in Books > History > Asia > Mongolia

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a remarkable achievement and compelling read, September 29, 2009

By 

Paul Ruble (Indianapolis IN) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The Secret History of the Mongols: A Mongolian Epic Chronicle of the Thirteenth Century (2 Vol. Set) (Paperback)

This two-book volume on the literary achievement known as the `Secret History of the Mongols' is a significant achievement in itself. It is the culmination of a life's work, a passionate dedication to helping understand the only Mongolian literary account of the life and times of the world's most prolific conqueror. The genuine passion of professor Rachewiltz to this subject is evident in his text. The effort taken to choose those words that can best distill and convey an understanding of words written centuries ago must have been a daunting task. The effort is evident because the text succeeds in conveying an immediate and amazingly clear understanding of a rather dense, albeit fascinating subject matter. Particularly one that has been, and shall apparently remain the subject and effort of many others for years to come. It is truly a compelling read, and one that remains so no matter what page you open it to, and no matter how long you've had the volumes on your shelf. I am grateful to be able to read this work in my lifetime.