The Horde: Uncovering the Impact of the Mongol Empire on Global History

TABISH: If one wants to have a thorough knowledge of events/ circumstances& outcomes coz of the interplay between yhe myriad of players in, and what the "'Eurasian'' area/ region passed thru in the medieval times, this is the authoritative book to go to. Wish her the best, with more eagerly awaited from her side.

India on Jun 19, 2023

Opt out: This book overturns the notion that only sedentary peoples can develop complex civilizations. For centuries, Mongolians ruled much of the territory from Eastern Europe to the Pacific, remaining nomadic even though they conquered and even built cities. Their own core society was complex. They often practiced indirect rule of subject peoples, fostered trade across vast distances, and were tolerant of multiple religions.

However, the author sanitized this history by omitting the brutality that was integral to the Mongol conquests. As anyone (such as present-day Ukrainians) who has experienced this kind of warfare can attest, the brutality is a central factor.

United States on Nov 24, 2022

Abhiram: This is an interesting book and I plan to post a full review. I am only about 60 pages into reading it and one thing that strikes me, and actually disrupts an otherwise smooth narrative, is the typos. There are quite a few typos and simple mistakes, like ‘they’ instead of ‘the’ and so on. The book should have been proof- read more closely. Such totally avoidable mistakes mar an otherwise well-researched book. Thanks!

India on Nov 24, 2022

Marendithas: i love that book. well explained.

Canada on Dec 18, 2021

Daniel Garcia: This is an exciting read on an underresearched topic. I do not think the author succeeds in "proving" her theory: namely that The Horde constituted a true state instead of a parasite organization.

Germany on Oct 08, 2021

Iain Shepherd: Yes very good. It has some useful maps so don't read it on a kindle. It could have done with a few genealogical trees (you can find some on Wikipedia).As always there was more about the ruling class than the life of slaves but i suppose that is all you get from the sources. But the descriptions of the Horde's governance methods was very good. Recommended

United Kingdom on Sep 06, 2021

Janis Cruse: The book accurately follows the children of Ghengis Khan and the influence of the Mongols not only on Asia but also on Europe of the 14th and 15th centuries.
However she is so insistent on her own spelling of place names, family relationships, even commonly used words like Ghengis Khan that it feels as if we are being buffeted by her intellectualism. This is irritating pervasive throughout the book.

United States on Aug 07, 2021

Tortolita: This superb overview of the Mongols will have you pulling out the atlas to gain an appreciation of the peoples and geography of this fascinating empire. No matter your expertise in geography and history the comprehensiveness of this excellent book will take you to places you’ve likely never been before. The cultural, political and economic sophistication of the Horde is an eye-opener. So long ago but so effective and pragmatic. The Horde’s impact on Russia and the CIS is poorly appreciated, even within Russia and the CIS itself. Something as fundamental as the impact on Russian history is a blind spot in understanding that incredibly complex place. Really, a stunning work of authorship and research. Sending copies to friends.

United States on Jul 30, 2021

Jim: I enjoy reading non fiction and I especially enjoy reading histories. I try to be careful to read meaningful, recommended offerings. The WSJ Saturday Book Review recommended this book and it's recommendations rarely disappoint. It is interesting to find out how the Irish became the Irish and how the Hungarians became the Hungarians. I highly recommend this book.

United States on Jun 24, 2021

Amazon Customer: While it could have had less of who killed and begat whom, this gives a realistic history of nomadic Mongol conquest and governing that successfully blended cultures and religions in a way that we often miss in miopic, western driven history

United States on May 15, 2021