Conquering the North

China, Russia, Mongolia: 2,000 Years of Conflict

John Man

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 neighbours.

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 manoeuvring.

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.

John Man is a historian specializing in Asia and the nature of leadership. John's books have been published in over twenty languages around the world and include bestselling biographies of Genghis Khan, Kublai Khan, and Attila the Hun, as well as histories of the Great Wall of China and the Mongolian Empire. He lives in England.

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Endorsements & Reviews

"A beguiling blend of history and intimate narrative – and a delight to read."

Colin Thubron, author of Shadow of the Silk Road

"John Man is a historian who masterfully blends meticulous research with the art of storytelling. In Conquering the North, he unearths a treasure trove of gripping narratives and captivating characters. Man’s storytelling doesn’t just illuminate history; it pulses with life, weaving tales that linger long after the page is turned. Conquering the North evokes the spirit of The Great Game, offering a narrative that is as educational as it is thoroughly entertaining." Lijia Zhang, author of Lotus

"The complex, epic story of China's relations with Russia and Mongolia over the last two millennia has shaped not just the Asian region, but the rest of the world. John Man's highly readable account of how nomadic peoples pitted themselves against farm settlers, and the steppes fought against cities, achieves the miraculous feat of making sense of this multilayered story while also making it accessible. He is a guide par excellence of a history everyone should know. An excellent book." Kerry Brown, author of CEO, China