The Secret History of the Mongols (Penguin Classics)

Loved the foreword, which I found much more fascinating and informative that the translated text, which reads much like any ancient, myth-building text (so and so did thus and thus and rode a horse here and there). Still interesting and the foreword provided very interesting information and history to support the text. The author's enthusiasm, expertise, and research are clearly felt in the foreword.

This book is amazing. I purchased it in advance of traveling to Mongolia and wanting to know about its history. Highlights: 1. Dr. Atwood's introduction to the translation is around 100 pages of fascinating observations and comments regarding the translation. 2. Three excellent Mongolia maps spread of 2 pages each. They help follow the Secret History translation, and a wonderful guide once in country. 3. Dr. Atwood's 50 page glossary of names is worth the book price alone. 4. As a professor myself, I found the 82 pages of Dr. Atwood's notes to the translation most valuable. His insights behind the stories and terms are fascinating stories in themselves. In sum, 100% this is one of the most incredible books that I have read in years because of Dr. Atwood's linguistic expertise (Mongolian, Middle Mongolian and Chinese), decades of knowledge and travel to Mongolia, passion for the topic, and clear writing with explanatory notes.

Wow! Amazon still sells books. Crazy. A good read for someone looking to gain a feel for the Mongol mindset of war and government.

What a pleasure to read a well written and scholarly documented book! As it is published by Penguin Classics, I expected no less. It gave a lengthy Introduction about the history, the sources, and the environment to set the scene for those who are not familiar with the Mongols. The narrative style of the Secret History was mixed with storytelling and official history recording. And the detailed and well researched notes at the end of the book further explained the Mongol history and customs and put everything in proper setting. It's especially appreciated after reading some cut-rate books written by semi-illiterate authors and released by unknown publishers with editors who apparently don't speak English. I am gonna stick with tried and true publishers with established reputations.

I got this book for my aunt who has taken a sudden interest in the Mongolian conquests. I bought it mainly because it was a better price than the out of print Cleaves and Onon versions, both of which I've read. Before giving it to my aunt, I started reading it and decided I needed this version for my library as well, so I ordered another copy. For me, the greatest part of the Atwood version is his introduction and the wonderful footnotes. The explanations are great, but I think I would have liked more details, especially on the recurring characters. I would also have liked more details on the Yuanshi history of the Mongols compared to the Rashid history. I'm also fascinated by the idea that the Secret History in the Yuanshi is the Mongolian language written in Chinese characters. I need to find out more about this. The problem of course is that my classical Chinese is so poor that it will be a painstakingly arduous task to go through the Chinese scholarship. That is why Christopher Atwood has provided such a great service. Another problem that I found however was his spellings of all the Mongolian names, many of which are different from what is seen in other Mongolian English language histories. I still have only glanced at the glossary of names at the back of the book so maybe there will be some explanation there. Anyway great scholarship made available to the general public

An exciting historical document annotated and explained. Worth reading

This is a fascinating account because of its inherent epic quality. I find it fascinating to see what things the conquerors of most of their known world thought would be worthwhile to tell about their founder. As a matter of fact, I'm not sure that I can articulate what fascinates me to such a degree, but it has something to do with the way this narrative views the world and the role an individual human plays in this world. It won't tell you that answer, but it intrigues me.

Great book, love penguin classics.

A highly authoritative translation of this strange and fascinating account.

What would we do without Penguin books? In this one we get to know Gengis Khan and the beginning of the Mongol empire from up close. Ccontrary to what we may think it was not only a devastating military machine, it was also politically very well organized (the postal system in particular). That second trait is due to Ogodaï, Gengis Khan’s son. The grandsons will be the ones to administer the conquered countries: Batu will take over Russia, Kubilai will rule China (he is the Khan that Marco Polo will meet and serve). This history was written at the time which makes it particularly valuable.

Perfect book to start on history of the Mongols.

The book is a very important historical document obviously. What makes this edition special is the depth of the supporting texts which add greatly to the understanding of the main work.

Gutes Buch aber es ist dreckig angekommen mit schmutzigen seiten und hinten verknickt. Nicht so nice...