Genghis Khan and the Mongol Empire

Gr 5—9—Temujin has a role in our cultural imagination as the ruthless leader of sweeping Mongolian hordes. Using new scholarship, Nardo paints a more nuanced and sophisticated picture of a man who united several nomadic clans and then went on to found history's largest empire. Starting with his early childhood and ending with the death of his grandson, Kublai Khan, the book focuses on Genghis Khan's empire building and leadership, including his code of laws and justice. The book features several color photographs of present-day Mongolia period reenactments, as well as artistic representations from the era. Frequent in-text anecdotes and pull-out boxes bring the time and people to life. Several detailed examples are given of Genghis Khan's bravery, ingenuity, and compassion, drawing readers in and showing more depth to the man than they may be used to. Nardo includes quotations from several scholars while still keeping the book engaging and accessible for a wide variety of readers.—Jennifer Rothschild, Prince George's County Memorial Library System, Oxon Hill, MD