Genghis: Birth of an Empire

Genghis: Birth of an Empire

Introduction

We learn about something or history about Genghis Khan" from this book because Genghis: Birth of an Empire tells the tale of Temujin, a young Mongol whose destiny is greater than anyone could ever imagine. Though the boy was born into wealth and power - the second son of a mighty khan (or chief) - his youth is anything but easy. This novel explores that youth, and lays out the series of disasters, betrayals, and hardships that assail Temujin and his family throughout his formative years, forging the boy into a leader whose name will be forever etched into the annals of history (Conn Iggulden, 2008, pp 23-111).

Discussion

Genghis Khan is one of those names that, when uttered, triggers an immediate response on part of a listener. Some think about some half-remembered history lesson, or a historical movie, or a hero or villain in some pseudo-fantasy story. In this work he presents a full portrait of the 13th-century warrior who united the Mongols, then invaded China and Eastern Europe. Iggulden describes Genghis Khan's childhood and early manhood, sprinkled with facts that are historically accurate. Genghis was the second of five sons born to a Mongolian khan (tribal leader), and it was his father's position that gave the young boys 'status' amid this masculine culture that thrived on horsemanship, courage, endurance and loyalty.

Examples

This book provide a clear picture about the leader of the Mongols, a group of tribes he united that raided and sacked China and Asia, and caused the ruination of several cities and cultures. I'd never thought of him being a boy or a young man, the precursor to this indomitable warrior known for his fierceness and skill. Conn Iggulden has written an exciting book about Temujin (the name Genghis Khan was born with) in his early years. The beginning few pages didn't quite pull me in, but once Temujin became the center of action, I was hooked. He and his father didn't quite see eye to eye, and I think that's one of the reasons the novel was selected as a National Library Association Alex award winner, which is an award given to adult level books written that might prove interesting to teenagers (Conn Iggulden, 2008, pp 45-57).

We learned so many things from the book because Genghis is truly engaging. From page one, I was hooked. It doesn't pull any punches either. The Mongol culture and history is a hard and bloody one, and this book reveals that unapologetically. The events that shaped Temujin into Genghis Khan are harsh, brutal, and unnerving. Also, from what I can tell, they're fairly accurate historically speaking. I'm no history expert, but the book made me curious enough to check a few other sources, and the majority of the tale seems to be supported by actual facts (www.bookreporter.com). I did know a little bit about the conditions of the time and about some of the cultural tidbits presented, and all of ...