The Successors of Genghis Khan

The Successors of Genghis Khan presents a translation of Persian historian Rashid al-Din's account of the Mongol Empire after Genghis Khan's death in 1227. The text covers the reigns of subsequent Great Khans through the late 13th century, detailing their conquests, policies, and internal power dynamics. This historical work provides extensive documentation of administrative systems, military campaigns, and cultural developments across the vast Mongol territories. The narrative includes accounts of the empire's expansion into new regions and its interactions with conquered peoples from China to Eastern Europe. The translation by John Andrew Boyle includes annotations and commentary that place the original text in broader historical context. Maps, genealogical tables, and supplementary materials help readers navigate the complex web of relationships and events. The work reveals the transformation of the world's largest contiguous land empire as it evolved from nomadic origins into a sophisticated political entity. Themes of succession, legitimacy, and the balance between traditional Mongol customs and new forms of governance emerge throughout the account.

The book receives limited online reviews but resonates with readers focused on Mongol history and the Ilkhanate period. Readers appreciate: - Translation quality and academic rigor - Details about succession and governance - Inclusion of primary source material - Coverage of lesser-known Mongol rulers post-Genghis Common criticisms: - Dense academic writing style - Lack of maps and genealogical charts - Limited context for general readers - Focus on political events over cultural aspects Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (17 ratings) Amazon: Not enough reviews for rating One reader on Goodreads notes it "requires significant background knowledge of Central Asian history to follow." Another mentions it's "more useful as a reference text than a narrative history." The book appears most valued by researchers and serious students of Mongol history rather than casual readers seeking an introduction to the period.

The Secret History of the Mongols by Anonymous This primary source from the 13th century presents the official account of Genghis Khan's rise to power and the formation of the Mongol Empire.

Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World by Jack Weatherford This narrative traces the influence of Mongol conquests on world civilization through trade, governance, and cultural exchange.

The History of the Mongol Conquests by J.J. Saunders The text chronicles the military campaigns and strategies that transformed the Mongol tribes into the world's largest contiguous land empire.

Daily Life in the Mongol Empire by George Lane The book examines the social structures, customs, and administrative systems that sustained the Mongol Empire during its peak.

The Empire of the Steppes: A History of Central Asia by René Grousset This comprehensive work places the Mongol Empire within the broader context of Central Asian nomadic civilizations and their impact on world history.

🔹 John Andrew Boyle translated this work from Rashid al-Din's original 14th-century Persian text, "Jami' al-tawarikh" (Compendium of Chronicles), making it accessible to English readers for the first time in 1971. 🔹 Rashid al-Din, the original author, served as vizier and court historian to the Mongol Ilkhanate rulers in Persia, giving him unprecedented access to Mongol royal archives and oral histories. 🔹 The book covers the reigns of four Great Khans after Genghis: Ögedei, Güyük, Möngke, and Kublai, spanning a crucial period that saw the Mongol Empire reach its greatest territorial extent. 🔹 During the compilation of this history, Rashid al-Din worked with a team of scholars from various cultures, including a Chinese scholar who helped ensure accurate details about the Yuan Dynasty. 🔹 The text includes unique details about Mongol court life, including the kurultai (electoral assemblies), which were closed meetings where Mongol nobles chose their new khans, providing rare insights into Mongol political processes.