This extraordinarily readable and concise book devotes 9 of its 10 chapters to the history of the Mongol Empire from the youth of Genghis Khan to the empire’s collapse during the Black Death (approximately the years1178 to 1368).  Genghis Khan covers the youth of that leader, his unification of the nomadic peoples, expansion through northern China and Central Asia, infighting after the Khan’s death, conquest of the Moslem world and China, the division of the Empire into four khanates and its ultimate collapse. While much of the material is available elsewhere, the author has a genius for clear narrative and explanation of complex ideas.  Watherford writes the book from the Mongol’s point of view.  Using his skills as an anthropologist and relying heavily on the Mongol’s state narrative The Secret History, we learn the origin of their military tactics, religious tolerance, along with the foundation for their legal system and many customs.  Some material was new to me, such as the degree of Christian influence in Mongolia and the taboo against contact with blood and corpses.  This book will give a much-needed additional perspective to those who have only read European accounts of the Mongols.  The accomplishments of their continental empire—monetary, trade, cultural, legal and governmental are discussed in detail.  Weatherford may be criticized in places for downplaying the mass killing in the creation of what was likely the most murderous empire of all time, instead emphasizing their prohibition against torture.  However, this weakness that can be easily ignored by Slavic studies readers who want a fresh perspective on the Empire to their east.