The Secret History of the Mongols: A Mongolian Epic Chronicle of the Thirteenth Century

Authors/Editors: Igor De Rachewiltz
Publication date: Wednesday, July 15, 2015
Publication type: Book
Publication external link: Contributing to Education through Digital Access to Research

The 13th century Secret History of the Mongols, covering the great Cinggis Qan’s (1162-1227) ancestry and life, stands out as a literary monument of first magnitude. Written partly in prose and partly in epic poetry, it is the major native source on Cinggis Qan, also dealing with part of the reign of his son and successor Ogodei (r. 1229-41). This true handbook contains an historical introduction, a full translation of the chronicle in accessible English, plus an extensive commentary. Indispensable for the historian, the Sino-Mongolist, the Altaic philologist, and anyone interested in comparative literature and Central Asian folklore. The Secret History of the Mongols has been selected by Choice as Outstanding Academic Title (2005).