As a soldier and general, statesman and empire-builder, Genghis Khan is
an almost legendary figure. His remarkable achievements and his ruthless
methods have given rise to a sinister reputation. As Chris Peers shows,
in this concise and authoritative study, he possessed exceptional gifts
as a leader and manager of men - he ranks among the greatest military
commanders - but he can only be properly understood in terms of the
Mongol society and traditions he was born into. So the military and
cultural background of the Mongols, and the nature of steppe societies
and their armies, are major themes of his book. He looks in detail at
the military skills, tactics and ethos of the Mongol soldiers, and at
the advantages and disadvantages they had in combat with the soldiers of
more settled societies. His book offers a fascinating fresh perspective
on Genghis Khan and on the armies he led.