A review of the book 'Genghis Khan: Life, Death, and Resurrection' written by John Man.
Genghis Khan is one of history’s immortals: a leader of genius and the founder of the world’s greatest land empire ─ twice the size of Rome’s. His mysterious death in 1227 placed all at risk, so it was kept a secret until his heirs had secured his conquests. Secrecy has surrounded him ever since. His undiscovered grave, with its imagined treasures, remains the subject of intrigue and speculation. John Man uses first-hand experiences to reveal the khan’s enduring influence.
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Coming up: A review of the book 'Genghis Khan: Life, Death, and Resurrection' written by John Man.
Namaste Friends. My name is 'Shinil Subramanian Payamal' and you are listening to the Historylogy podcast.
Before I proceed, a full disclosure: This book was bought with my own money and not been provided to me by the author or publisher.
Little bit about the author:
John Man is a historian and traveller with special interests in Mongolia and the history of written communication. His Gobi: Tracking the Desert was the first book on the subject since the 1920s. He is also the author of The Atlas of the Year 1000, a portrait of the world at the turn of the millennium, Alpha Beta, on the roots of the alphabet, and The Gutenberg Revolution, an examination of the origins and impact of printing. Some of his other books are: Attila: The Barbarian King Who Challenged Rome, Kublai Khan: The Mongol King Who Remade China, Saladin: The Life, The Legend and the Islamic Empire, The Amazons: The Real Warrior Women of the Ancient World, etc… His latest book is Conquering the North: China, Russia, Mongolia: 2,000 Years of Conflict. He lives in London.
Let me read a brief description of the book:
QUOTE
Genghis Khan is one of history’s immortals: a leader of genius and the founder of the world’s greatest land empire ─ twice the size of Rome’s. His mysterious death in 1227 placed all at risk, so it was kept a secret until his heirs had secured his conquests. Secrecy has surrounded him ever since. His undiscovered grave, with its imagined treasures, remains the subject of intrigue and speculation.
Today, Genghis is by turns scourge, hero and demi-god. To Muslims, Russians and Europeans, he is a mass-murderer. Yet in his homeland, Mongols revere him as the nation’s father; Chinese honour him as dynastic founder; and in both countries, worshippers seek his blessing.
This book is more than just a gripping account of Genghis’ rise and conquests. John Man uses first-hand experiences to reveal the khan’s enduring influence. He is the first writer to explore the hidden valley where Genghis may have died, and one of the few westerners to climb the sacred mountain where he was probably buried.
The result is an enthralling account of the man himself and of the passions that surround him today. For in legend, ritual and controversy, Genghis lives on …
UNQUOTE
I had read Jack Weatherford's ‘Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World’ in early 2021 and needless to say, had found it simply brilliant. It’s easily one of the most amazing books you will ever read. While picking up this book, I thought there might be a lot of similarities between the two but thankfully, I was proven wrong.
In this book, author John Man doesn’t just recount events; he retraces footsteps. It is a vivid and engaging exploration of one of history’s most enigmatic figures, Genghis Khan, the Mongol conqueror whose empire reshaped the medieval world. His narrative is fueled by firsthand exploration, from the plains of Mongolia to the deserts of Central Asia. This gives the book a dynamic, almost tactile quality. As a reader, you don’t merely learn about Genghis Khan — you travel with him.
The author journeys through Mongolian landscapes — and his conversations with local historians, shamans, and even descendants of the Khan — add a rare authenticity to the narrative. You will feel as though you’re in a ger tent sipping fermented mare’s milk, listening to history whispered across centuries.
Where previous Western historians often painted Genghis Khan as a barbarian scourge, Man shows how much of that image was shaped by fearful chroniclers from Europe and China. He makes a strong case that the Mongol Empire, for all its bloodshed, may have done more to connect East and West than any single force before the modern age.
Personally speaking, I found the most compelling parts of the book to be those dealing with the enigma of Genghis Khan’s death and burial. Man explores the legend of the secret grave, allegedly lost somewhere in the Khentii Mountains, and uses modern technology and historical detective work to pursue the mystery. Though he offers no definitive solution, the journey is the point. He invites us readers into the chase — part archaeology, part folklore, part spiritual pilgrimage.
Published in 2004, this book remains a standout for its ability to bring the past to life while grappling with the myths and realities of a man whose influence still echoes across Central Asia.
Final Verdict:
John Man’s approach is particularly compelling for its blend of historical rigor, narrative flair, and a traveler’s curiosity about the landscapes and cultures tied to Genghis’s legacy. His prose is accessible, brisk, and often witty, making this book ideal for readers who are fascinated by world history but don’t want to slog through academic texts. It bridges the gap between scholarly analysis and travel writing, much like William Dalrymple or Colin Thubron — though Man’s focus remains firmly on one figure and one culture.
For anyone planning a journey to Mongolia, or simply wanting to armchair-travel through history, ‘Genghis Khan: Life, Death, and Resurrection’ is a perfect companion.
I give this book 4.25/5.
And before I finish, I must add that the accompanying maps, illustrations and photos are in itself worth the price of the book. The pics show life in rural Mongolia, place where Genghis was most likely born, the Blue Lake where Temujin was perhaps crowned Genghis Khan, the ruins of Merv, mausoleum of Genghis Khan and the Holy Mountain.
At the time of recording this book review, the book is available in Hardcover, Paperback and Kindle formats. It is yet to be made available on Audible. I have given the respective buy links in the show notes. Please check them out for the latest prices.
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