These best books about Mongolia show a historically rich and culturally diverse nation, from captivating accounts of the Mongol Empire’s rise to contemporary explorations of a nation in transition, the following books offer a gateway into the heart of the country.
Books About Mongolia
Whether delving into the sweeping landscapes of the Gobi Desert, tracing the footsteps of ancient nomads, or contemplating the challenges of a modern, democratic Mongolia, these works illuminate the complexities and allure of a country whose history spans millennia.
I spent several weeks travelling in Mongolia and it’s one of my favourite countries. It is truly a magical place.
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Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World by Jack Weatherford
Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World is a captivating exploration of the life and legacy of Genghis Khan, the legendary founder of the Mongol Empire.
In this meticulously researched and well-written book, Weatherford challenges conventional Western views of Genghis Khan as a ruthless conqueror and presents a more nuanced perspective on his achievements and influence.
Weatherford argues that Genghis Khan’s impact on the world extends far beyond his military conquests. Instead of portraying him solely as a warlord, the author highlights Genghis Khan’s innovative governance, his commitment to religious freedom, and his role in creating a unified and interconnected world.
The book contends that the Mongol Empire, under Genghis Khan’s leadership, played a crucial role in shaping the modern world by facilitating cultural exchanges, trade, and the spread of ideas across continents. Out of the history books about Mongolia, this is one of the best, if not thee best, to get.
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The Blue Sky by Galsan Tschinag
The Blue Sky is a novel that provides a poignant and evocative portrayal of the nomadic Mongolian way of life. Originally written in German and later translated into various languages, including English, the book is a semi-autobiographical work that draws heavily from the author’s own experiences growing up in a Mongolian nomadic community.
The story revolves around the protagonist, a young boy named Naran, as he navigates the challenges and joys of life on the Mongolian steppes. Tschinag vividly depicts the nomadic traditions, the bond between humans and nature, and the spiritual beliefs of the Mongolian people.
The blue sky, a recurring motif in the narrative, symbolizes freedom and the vastness of the Mongolian landscape.
As Naran grapples with the harsh realities of nature, familial relationships, and the encroachment of modernity, you gain insights into the cultural richness and resilience of the Mongolian nomadic lifestyle.
Galsan Tschinag’s writing is poetic and reflective, capturing the beauty and hardships of the nomadic existence and one of the best books about Mongolia to read.
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Hearing Birds Fly by Louisa Waugh
Hearing Birds Fly is a memoir that offers a unique and intimate portrayal of life in a remote Mongolian village. Louisa Waugh, a British journalist, spent two years living with the nomadic people of the Khentii mountains in northeastern Mongolia during the late 1990s.
The book provides a firsthand account of her experiences and observations, offering readers a glimpse into the daily lives, customs, and challenges faced by the nomadic herders.
The title, “Hearing Birds Fly,” reflects the profound connection between the nomads and their environment, emphasizing the reliance on natural cues and the rhythm of the seasons in their way of life.
Waugh recounts her interactions with the local people, the beauty of the Mongolian landscape, and the struggles of a community adapting to a rapidly changing world.
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Walking the Gobi: 1,600 Mile-trek Across a Desert of Hope and Despair by Helen Thayer
Walking the Gobi: 1,600 Mile-trek Across a Desert of Hope and Despair is an adventurous memoir that chronicles Thayer’s remarkable journey as she, along with her husband Bill, walks across the Gobi Desert in Mongolia.
Helen Thayer, an explorer and adventurer, undertakes this challenging expedition at the age of 63. The couple faces the harsh and unforgiving conditions of the Gobi, battling extreme temperatures, challenging terrains, and the constant struggle for water and survival.
Throughout the narrative, Thayer provides vivid descriptions of the landscapes, the nomadic people they encounter, and the physical and mental challenges they endure.
The Gobi Desert trek becomes a test of endurance, determination, and resilience. Thayer also weaves in elements of the local culture and history, offering you a multifaceted view of the Gobi beyond its natural obstacles.
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Mongolia – Culture Smart! The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture by Alan Sanders
Mongolia – Culture Smart!: The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture is part of the Culture Smart! series, which provides practical and cultural insights for travelers and individuals interested in understanding the customs and etiquette of different countries. In this case, the book focuses specifically on Mongolia.
The guide covers various aspects of Mongolian culture, offering information on social customs, traditions, communication styles, and daily life. It is designed to help you navigate social situations with respect and understanding.
If you’re planning to visit the country then this is one of the best books about Mongolia to get for understanding its cultural nuances. It will provide you with valuable information to enhance your cultural awareness and ensure positive interactions during your stay.
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The Secret History of the Mongol Queens: How the Daughters of Genghis Khan Rescued His Empire by Jack Weatherford
The Secret History of the Mongol Queens: How the Daughters of Genghis Khan Rescued His Empire is another book written by Jack Weatherford. Building on his earlier work, “Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World,” mentioned at the beginning of the article, Weatherford turns his attention to the often-overlooked role of women in Mongol history.
In this book, Weatherford explores the lives of Genghis Khan’s daughters and granddaughters and how they played significant roles in the affairs of the Mongol Empire.
He delves into the political, military, and cultural contributions of these women, challenging traditional perceptions of the Mongols as a male-dominated society.
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Hunting with Eagles: In the Realm of the Mongolian Kazakhs by Palani Mohan
Hunting with Eagles: In the Realm of the Mongolian Kazakhs is a captivating photographic book that provides a visually stunning exploration of the ancient and unique tradition of eagle hunting practiced by the Kazakh people in the remote regions of Mongolia.
Palani Mohan, a photographer with a keen eye for storytelling through images, captures the essence of this centuries-old practice where hunters form deep bonds with golden eagles. The photographs depict the vast and rugged landscapes of Mongolia, the nomadic way of life, and the intricate relationship between the hunters and their majestic eagles.
The book not only showcases the breathtaking scenery and the awe-inspiring eagles but also delves into the cultural and historical context of eagle hunting among the Mongolian Kazakhs. Mohan’s images provide an intimate glimpse into the lives of the hunters, their traditions, and the challenges they face in preserving this ancient art in the modern world.
If you have an interest in photography, cultural traditions, or the nomadic way of life, this book is a compelling and visually arresting addition to your reading collection. It’s one of the best books about Mongolia looking at hunting with eagles.
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Side note: These nomadic eagle hunters truly are fascinating. I had a chance to see them in action at the World Nomad Games in Kyrgyzstan in 2014 and again in 2016. It was magical.
This is a short documentary (15 minutes) that I recommend watching that gives more insight into the nomadic eagle hunters:
Into Wild Mongolia by George B. Schaller
Biologist George Schaller made many trips to Mongolia between 1989 to 2018 where he was allowed to look into the conservation efforts of the many wildlife species in the country.
This book shows Schaller’s time in this remote country, where he helped begin conservation efforts for many wildlife species, such as the snow leopard and Gobi bear. It also shows the beauty of the country and the wide ranging landscapes, from the steppe to the mountains and on to the massive Gobi Desert.
Out of these books about Mongolia this is one of the best ones about the wildlife in the country.
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Tragic Spirits: Shamanism, Memory, and Gender in Contemporary Mongolia by Manduhai Buyandelger
Tragic Spirits: Shamanism, Memory, and Gender in Contemporary Mongolia is an anthropological work by Buyandelger where she explores the revival of shamanism in post-socialist Mongolia, focusing on the relationship between shamanism, memory, and gender.
The book delves into the ways in which shamanism has experienced a resurgence in Mongolia following the collapse of the socialist regime. It examines how individuals, particularly women, have turned to shamanic practices as a means of coping with the traumas of the past and navigating the challenges of the present.
This is one of the best books about Mongolia that shows the complex interplay between cultural traditions, memory, and identity in the country.
She sheds light on the role of shamans in addressing issues of historical trauma and how the revival of shamanism intersects with broader social and political changes in the country.
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Lonely Planet Mongolia
Guidebooks can be a great way to have a look at a country and also excellent for planning a visit. The Lonely Planet Mongolia guidebook is one of the best and includes practical travel advice, cultural insights, recommendations for accommodations, dining, transportation, and activities.
It covers major cities, historical sites, natural attractions, and offers tips for navigating local customs. If you’re planning a visit to Mongolia then this guidebook is a valuable resource for planning your itinerary, understanding the local culture, and making the most of your travel experience.
It’s actually one of the best books about Mongolia simply for a brief overview of the country and practical travel information.
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Mongolia
These books about Mongolia cover a range of topics, from history and culture to travel and contemporary issues, offering a well-rounded view of the country.
Whether you’re interested in the ancient history of the Mongol Empire or the modern challenges and changes the country faces, these books provide valuable insights.
Read my guide to travelling the Gobi Desert in Mongolia.
Also, for more on Mongolia have a look at the best movies about Mongolia.
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