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.

Format: Hardback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 06 October 2021
Publisher: Hackett Publishing Co, Inc

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. Spanning a remarkable era, these narratives shed light on the early Mongol Empire, offering a distinct viewpoint that diverges from the accounts of Muslim and Christian travelers, as well as from the traditional Mongol tradition encapsulated in The Secret History of Mongols.

The compilation includes a diverse range of Chinese source texts, meticulously translated into English and accompanied by insightful prefaces. These texts, originating from various officials during the Southern Song dynasty in South China and from officials serving the Mongol rulers in North China, offer a comprehensive tapestry of perspectives.

Among the notable contributions are Selections from Random Notes from Court and Country since the Jianyan Years, vol. 2, penned by Li Xinchuan. Li's observations, spanning a period of years, provide a candid and intimate glimpse into the court and country life during the early Mongol era. A Memorandum on the Mong-Tatars, authored by Zhao Gong, delves into the intricate relationship between the Mongols and their Turkic allies, shedding light on their political and military strategies. A Sketch of the Black Tatars, jointly authored by Peng Daya and Xu Ting, offers a detailed account of the Black Tatars, a group of nomadic warriors who played a significant role in the Mongol conquests.

Spirit-Path Stele for His Honor Yelü, Director of the Secretariat, penned by Song Zizhen, is a poignant tribute to a prominent Mongol official. The stele showcases Song's poetic prowess and provides valuable insights into the Mongol court and culture. Notes on a Journey, penned by Zhang Dehui, offers a firsthand account of Zhang's travels during the Mongol era, showcasing the diverse landscapes and cultural encounters he witnessed.

In addition to these primary texts, the compilation includes an introduction, comprehensive index, extensive bibliography, and appendices that provide valuable supplementary material. These appendices encompass notes on the texts, tables and charts, as well as a glossary of Chinese and transcribed terms, enhancing the reader's understanding and appreciation of the historical context.

Rise of the Mongols serves as a valuable resource for scholars, historians, and enthusiasts alike, offering a comprehensive and multifaceted perspective on the rise of the Mongol Empire. Through these Chinese source texts, readers gain a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics, cultural interactions, and political maneuvers that shaped this remarkable era.

Weight: 470g
Dimension: 161 x 236 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781647920029