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The Mongols: A History by Jeremiah Curtin

inquiry_from_an_anti_library's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging informative slow-paced

1.0

Overview:
This book is a detailed account of the political affairs of the Mongol Empire and its immense impact on geopolitics and the shape of global power. Primarily covering the Mongol Empire wars with the empires of Persia, Islam, China, and its internal struggles and feuds. The reason and results of the slaughters that took place. The strategies that were used. The betrayals and acts of revenge. The tools used for war. Regions conquered by the Mongols had their trade stabilized as the Mongols provided protection and law. The empire had a semi-democratic republic, but not always recognized by blood kin of former Khans whom were their leaders. Originally nomadic tribes, whose identity is bound to tribal politics, but united they became a powerful force whose opponents underestimated them at their own peril.

Problems?
Terribly written without many learning outcomes. Although containing many details it is hard to put everything together. Neither Mongol society or the functioning of empire is part of this book. The focus is on the military and political aspects, but they were not written well either. 

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