Subject
Mongols -- History Books
Best books
Marco Polo
The Travels of Marco Polo — Volume 1
"The Travels of Marco Polo — Volume 1" by Marco Polo and Rustichello da Pisa is a 13th-century travelogue written between 1298-1299. This legendary account chronicles Polo's epic journey through Asia from 1271 to 1295 and his remarkable experiences at the court of Kublai Khan. Dictated by the Venetian explorer to romance writer Rustichello while imprisoned in Genoa, the book blends adventure with observation, revealing distant lands Europeans had never imagined. From its first appearance, readers have debated its authenticity—wondering whether these tales of marvels are truth or fantasy.
Marco Polo
The Travels of Marco Polo — Volume 2
"The Travels of Marco Polo — Volume 2" by Marco Polo and Rustichello da Pisa is a travelogue written in the 13th century. Dictated by Venetian explorer Marco Polo to romance writer Rustichello while imprisoned in Genoa, this account describes Polo's journey through Asia between 1271 and 1295, including his experiences at Kublai Khan's court. The book sparked both fascination and skepticism from its earliest readers, with debates continuing about its authenticity and the collaborative role of its two authors in shaping this extraordinary tale of Eastern marvels.
Jeremiah Curtin
The Mongols : $b A history
"The Mongols: A History" by Jeremiah Curtin is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book delves into the expansive and often brutal history of the Mongol Empire, focusing on its rise under the leadership of Genghis Khan and its significant impact on both Asia and Europe. It aims to shed light on the cultural, social, and political dynamics of the Mongols, mediating their legendary conquests and the ensuing territorial transformations. The opening of "The Mongols: A History" introduces the concept of the term 'Mongol,' tracing its evolution from its origins to its application as a broad descriptor of various tribes and peoples across the world, including historical references linked with Attila the Hun to contemporary implications. It details the challenging environment of the early Mongols, emphasizing the harsh conditions that shaped their fierce warrior culture and the importance of dynastic lineage, particularly focusing on the figure of Temudjin (later known as Genghis Khan). This section sets the stage for exploring Temudjin's rise to power, the formative myths surrounding his origin, and the violent conflicts that defined early Mongol society, thus laying the groundwork for the epic narrative that follows in the text.
Marco Polo
I Viaggi di Marco Polo Unica versione originale fedelmente riscontrata sul codice magliabeccano e sulle opere di Charton
"I Viaggi di Marco Polo" by Marco Polo and Jules Verne is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The narrative centers around Marco Polo and his journeys through Asia, focusing on his experiences and interactions with various cultures and peoples as he travels to the court of Kublai Khan. This work blends the historical adventures of Marco Polo with the imaginative storytelling style of Jules Verne, exploring themes of exploration, trade, and cultural exchange. At the start of the narrative, the background of the Polo family's mercantile interests is established, showing their motivations for exploring Central Asia. It introduces Marco Polo as a young man preparing to embark on significant journeys with his father, Niccolò, and his uncle, Matteo, who have already visited Kublai Khan. The chapter discusses the conditions that propelled Venetian merchants to venture into territories offering lucrative trade opportunities, highlighting their journeys from Venice to the Mongol Empire. This opening lays the foundation for the epic adventures that will follow, setting the stage for Polo's experiences and the rich tapestry of the world he encounters.
Jacob Abbott
Genghis Khan, Makers of History Series
"Genghis Khan" by Jacob Abbott is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The book provides a detailed exploration of the life and exploits of Genghis Khan, regarded as one of history's most renowned conquerors, and delves into the cultural and societal structures of the Mongol empire. Through the lens of Genghis Khan's narrative, readers are likely to encounter themes of power, leadership, and the dynamics of early nomadic civilizations. The opening of the book begins with an examination of pastoral life in Asia, emphasizing the four modes of subsistence that shaped early human societies: hunting, herding, gathering, and agriculture. It establishes a context for understanding the nomadic tribes of Central Asia, detailing their reliance on rearing livestock and the subsequent development of patriarchal governments. Abbott introduces Genghis Khan as a pivotal figure among these tribes, having risen from humble pastoral origins to become a formidable chieftain whose legacy would alter the course of history. The initial chapters set the stage for the complex interplay of culture, environment, and warfare that would characterize the Mongol empire during Genghis Khan's reign.
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