Lesley S. reviewed on 4/4/2010 + 50 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 1

A fascinating history of Genghis Khan - arguably the victim of the biggest PR smear campaign in history. His reputation for blood-thirsty conquering and mindless violence remains, while the truth couldn't be more different: during the height of the Mongol empire, Genghis encouraged religious freedom, rewarded merit rather than high birth, created a system of credit cards, modern military organization and warfare, stopped bride-napping, and encouraged trade, peace and prosperity. Jawaharlal Nehru considered Genghis the greatest military genius and visionary leader in history (so much so, Caesar and Alexander the Great paled in comparison). Yes, historians might quibble with some of the facts in this book (then again, when don't dusty academic types quibble), but I thought it well-written and super-informative about how this visionary man from unbelievably humble beginnings truly did change the world. Highly recommend.

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