Conquering the North, John Man
Conquering the North, John Man
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Conquering the North
China, Russia, Mongolia: 2,000 Years of Conflict

Author: John Man

Narrator: Nigel Patterson

Unabridged: 11 hr 31 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Tantor Media

Published: 12/02/2025


Synopsis

A panoramic history of the roots of China and Mongolia's historic rivalry—and why it matters today.

The Great Wall of China—stretching from the arid rises of Gansu province to the cold waters of the Bohai Sea—remains an enduring symbol of Chinese might. And yet for all its grandeur, the Wall also marks a vulnerability: an ever-present reminder of old battlelines and never-ending tension with China's northern neighbors.

Travelling by sacred mountains and along forgotten trade routes, John Man journeys through China and Mongolia, tracing the contours of their uneasy shared histories. From the tumult of the Warring States Period to the present day, Man weaves a thrilling tale of battling warlords, imperial power plays, Soviet interference and contemporary political maneuvering.

Looking to the future of the region, Conquering the North canvasses the still fractious interplay of two rival cultures and the continuing struggle for Mongolian sovereignty as China continues to edge north.

About John Man

John Man is a historian and travel writer with a special interest in Asia. His many acclaimed books include bestselling biographies of Genghis Khan and Attila the Hun, as well as The Great Wall and The Terracotta Army. He lives in the United Kingdom.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Maria on December 09, 2025

John Man’s Conquering the North is a masterful journey through 2,000 years of conflict between China, Russia, and Mongolia. Man blends meticulous historical research with vivid storytelling, making complex political and military events accessible and compelling. From the Great Wall’s imposing presen......more