Storm from the East: From Ghengis Khan to Khubilai Khan

by Robert Marshall

Book Overview

This lavishly illustrated companion to the television series of the same title chronicles the amazing rise to power of Ghengis Khan, the unification of the Mongol tribes under his leadership, and... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0520083008
• ISBN13: 9780520083004
• Release Date: May 1993
• Publisher: University of California Press
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 2.06 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 7.7" x 10.0"

Customer Reviews

The Book's Title is Self Explanatory

This is a great history book on the great Mongol Empire. It clears up a lot misunderstandings and superstitions about the supposedly horrible Mongol barbarians and gives a reliable account of their rule in this time period. It covers Temujin's (aka Genghis Khan) beginnings to the end of his forebears rule. It has pictures from the past and of re-enactments of Mongol cavalry - you will rarely find this elsewhere. The Mongol Empire was a militaristic nation, so this book lacks on the military strategy and warfare of the Mongols. Only the basics are covered.

One to remember

I love the occasional suprises in life; you know the very unexpected which enriches you forever. When I bought this book I really wasn't interested in Ghengis Khan but I thought maybe I could find out more about the group. Well, the book ws written beautifully which madefollowing the sory and timeline very easy.I found the author had a scholastic approach to the subject which is what I sought and had the ability to incorporate mady other aspects tpo the Khans which gave me the unusual perspective that I always desire. You know the knowledge that lets you lord over others who happen to feel they are experts and expect that noone else knows. Thats my kind of fun.Anyway, the book incorporates the necessary maps and some beautiful artwork that really enhances the book. Unfortunately, I mark up all of my good book with underlines, exclamation points and many many stars for futile future referenceThe only criticism I can offer is that beside his references to many of the major cities that he invaded and then re-constructed there was no mention of the modern names of these places which requers me to search them out on the internet.If you are a history lover and want a dry but fascinating look at this period, BUY THIS BOOK!I fmr: Marshall reads this- well thank you for writing this book you have given me the power of knowledge.

For those who can't get the video...

This is a great overview of the part of Mongolian history that most intrigues westerners, the years of the great Khans. It is a very accessible book that doesn't require any prior knowledge on the part of the reader, and hopefully inspires them to look deeper into the people and the nation of Mongolia.In the west we've all heard of Ghengis Khan, and we have our preconceptions of "barbarian" cultures or the terrible hordes of Mongol warriors; the reality behind the myths and legends is well worth knowing. I first encountered the "Storm from the East" video series on TLC and it has since re-played {but rarely} on THC. The film or video is only on offer to educational institutions at a very high price, so the most a layman can hope for is a quality tape from TV -or- this book.The book follows the video script almost verbatum, with many of the same maps, diagrams and stills from the live footage shot in Mongolia. It's a wonderful substitute, and an easy to digest history lesson.The relationship of the medieval Mongolian nation to China and the western European nations is fascinating, and thanks to "Storm from the East" it is easily understood. The book is written with a gentle sense of humor, but does not belittle nor aggrandize the Mongolian people or the historical Khans.

An excellent introduction to the Mongols

This book is based on a BBC documentary of the same name. The book is written so that any history freak can read and enjoy it. Many, Many pictures and maps make it more understandable. Some of the pictures are even re-enactments and are very interesting to look at.

A riveting read

An excellent book for all interested in the rise and fall of the Mongol Empire. Written in an exciting and lively way, the reader is left thirsty for more, even though the book itself is factually complete without inundating the interested layman with boring, left-alone facts and dates.