Secret History of the Mongols: The Origin of Chingis Khan [Paperback]

Paul Kahn (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0887272991 | ISBN-13: 978-0887272998 | Publication Date: September 28, 2005 | Edition: Expanded

This adaptation of what is recognized today as the oldest Mongolian text (written two decades after Chingis Khan`s death) tells the Mongols` own version of the origin of their nation, the life of Chingis Khan, and the creation of an empire that stretched across Eurasia in the 13th century. Adapted from Francis Woodman Cleaves` erudite translation, it is presented here as a narrative poem in colloquial English. An overview of medieval Asia, maps, lineage charts, a glossary of proper names, and a bibliography are included. This expanded edition includes a 17th-century account of Chingis Khan`s death and a new essay by the author.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

This adaptation of what is recognized today as the oldest Mongolian text (written two decades after Chingis Khan's death) tells the Mongols' own version of the origin of their nation, the life of Chingis Khan, and the creation of an empire that stretched across Eurasia in the Thirteenth century. Kahn has adapted the scholarly English of Francis Woodman Cleaves' erudite translation in colloquial English, making this exciting narrative accessible to all readers. It is written "as an act of research and imagination," an example of story-telling as history which offers not only an accurate and dramatic description of Mongolian culture and heritage, but wisdom and insight into the humanity of this small group that ruled much of Asia, Russia, and the Middle East for nearly two hundred years.

Although it opens in a mythical past, The Secret History of the Mongols quickly becomes a treasure-trove of factual information, not only about the life and career of Chingis Khan, but also about the Mongolian people. It describes in fascinating detail the daily life, social structures, and customs of the tribes of Central Asia, and in terms of accuracy and immediacy eclipses the more familiar Travels of Marco Polo. An overview of medieval Asia, maps, lineage charts, a glossary of proper names, and a bibliography are included. This expanded edition includes a Seventeenth century account of Chingis Khan's death and a recent essay by the author.

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Cheng & Tsui; Expanded edition (September 28, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0887272991
• ISBN-13: 978-0887272998
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #80,211 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #50 in Books > Education & Reference > Foreign Languages > Chinese > Instruction

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

41 of 43 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lao's review, February 26, 2001

By 

"hdaveno" (Shoreline WA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Secret History of the Mongols: The Origin of Chingis Khan (Paperback)

The Secret History is a record of the Mongolian Royal families, which is thought to have been written during the thirteenth century. Paul Kahn has kept the original prose format in his translation, which I feel makes this the only version to own. It begins with the creation myth of the wolf and deer from which the Mongolian people (in legend) are descended from; throught he birth of Temujin, and ending with the ascention to the throne of Ogedai Khan. I highly recommend this to those who are looking for primary sources to add to their Asian history collections.

41 of 47 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Read! And feel Mongol history and Chingis Khan., April 3, 2000

By 

Hansaem (Chicago, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Secret History of the Mongols: The Origin of Chingis Khan (Paperback)

The Secret History of the Mongols is one of the most important primary source for study of Mongol history and Chingis Khan. Also, this book is very impressive poet like Homor's great works. I know Francis Woodman Cleaves has already translated it into English. He is great master of Mongol history, however, his "King James English" is terrible, especially foreigners like me. Paul Khan's work overcomes this big problem. The easy and spoken English let everyone enjoy it. Now, read it, enjoy it, and feel the "World Conqueror"

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars The Poor Man's Chinggis Khan, February 10, 2008

By 

Leland Rogers "coyote_oldman" (Bloomington, Indiana) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Secret History of the Mongols: The Origin of Chingis Khan (Paperback)

This is one of the least thorough interpretations of The Secret History of the Mongols. Anyone who finds this book of any interest should read the same book translated by Francis Woodman Cleaves or Igor de Rachewiltz, both versions are considerably better.