Genghis Khan: And the Making of the Modern World.

In name alone, Genghis Khan conjures up notions of a ruthless, bloodthirsty warrior who pillaged lands far and wide. Weatherford takes much of the sting out of the reputation of Genghis Khan and the Mongol people. Unprecedented access to Genghis Khan's homeland and forbidden burial site provided Weatherford with new insight. There is no doubt the Mongols were savage and successful warriors. Genghis Khan, his sons, and grandsons conquered the most densely populated areas of the 13th century, creating an empire that covered some 12 million square miles with an army that never numbered more than 100,000. Once the lands and people were conquered, however, the Mongols were benevolent and progressive rulers who incorporated religious freedom, public schools, and diplomatic immunity into their ruling systems. Genghis Khan also instituted free trade, introduced the first paper currency, and spread revolutionary technologies, such as a printing machine and the abacus. These contributions establish Genghis Khan and the Mongols as innovators in a changing world. Crown, 2004, 312 p., hardcover, $25.00.