Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World by Jack Weatherford (2005). Genghis Khan conquered more land than any other person in history. An area roughly the size of the African continent. He and his generals ruled over much of Asia, from present-day Korea in the east to Hungary in the west, and from Vietnam in the south to the steppes of Siberia in the north.
Most sources portray Genghis Khan as a cruel man whose brutal methods of warfare make figures like Napoleon or Mao seem mild by comparison. However, this book reveals another side of him: a leader far ahead of his time. Nearly a thousand years ago, he established diplomatic relations between Europe and China, organized towns into zones of free trade, reduced taxes, and created one of the first international postal systems. His empire was vast, and he developed an efficient communication network to keep it connected. He also granted religious freedom throughout his territories, though he demanded absolute loyalty from all his subjects.
Genghis Khan did not die in battle or by assassination. He likely died of natural causes in 1227 during a military campaign and was buried in an unmarked grave, the location of which remains unknown.