Rise of the Mongols: Five Chinese Sources

Rise of the Mongols provides a unique perspective on the early Mongol Empire through Chinese eyes, with three texts written by Southern Song dynasty officials and two by North China officials.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 248 pages
\n Publication date: 06 October 2021
\n Publisher: Hackett Publishing Co, Inc
\n

Rise of the Mongols presents a captivating collection of five essential works, meticulously curated to provide a unique perspective on the rise of the Mongol Empire through the eyes of Chinese observers. This remarkable compilation features a diverse range of sources, including three insightful writings by officials of the Southern Song dynasty in South China and two captivating accounts penned by officials serving the Mongol rulers from North China. Together, these diverse accounts offer a profound and multifaceted exploration of the early Mongol Empire, offering a departure from the narratives of Muslim and Christian travelers and chroniclers, as well as the traditional Mongol perspective captured in The Secret History of Mongols.

The five Chinese source texts included in this collection are:

Selections from Random Notes from Court and Country since the Jianyan Years, vol. 2, by Li Xinchuan: This text offers a collection of random notes and observations penned by Li Xinchuan during his tenure in the court of the Southern Song dynasty. It provides valuable insights into the political, social, and cultural landscape of China during the early Ming dynasty.

A Memorandum on the Mong-Tatars, by Zhao Gong: Zhao Gong, a prominent official of the Southern Song dynasty, authored this memorandum, which provides a detailed account of the Mong-Tatars, a group of nomadic tribes who played a significant role in the early Mongol conquests.

A Sketch of the Black Tatars, by Peng Daya and Xu Ting: Peng Daya and Xu Ting, two officials of the Southern Song dynasty, collaborated to produce this sketch, which offers a concise yet informative overview of the Black Tatars, a group of Turkic nomads who were allies of the Mongols.

Spirit-Path Stele for His Honor Yelü, Director of the Secretariat, by Song Zizhen: Song Zizhen, a high-ranking official of the Southern Song dynasty, composed this stele in honor of Yelü, the Director of the Secretariat, who played a crucial role in the early administration of the Mongol Empire.

Notes on a Journey, by Zhang Dehui: Zhang Dehui, another official of the Southern Song dynasty, penned these notes on his journey to the Mongolian frontier. They provide a firsthand account of the Mongol military campaigns, cultural encounters, and political developments during the early stages of the empire's expansion.

In addition to these primary texts, the book includes an introduction, an index, a comprehensive bibliography, and appendices that provide valuable notes on the texts, tables, charts, and a glossary of Chinese and transcribed terms. This comprehensive resource enhances the reader's understanding and appreciation of the Mongol Empire's rise through the eyes of Chinese observers.

By presenting a diverse range of perspectives and sources, Rise of the Mongols offers a rich and multifaceted exploration of a pivotal period in world history. It sheds light on the complex relationships between different cultures, the strategies employed by the Mongols in their conquests, and the lasting impact of the Mongol Empire on the region and beyond. This collection is a valuable resource for scholars, researchers, and anyone interested in delving into the rich tapestry of early medieval history.

\n Weight: 338g\n
Dimension: 152 x 228 x 16 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781624669903\n \n