"This book provides factual information about Mongolia and new ways of looking at Genghis Khan, whose ideals of nationhood and democratic principles are in practice now." "The book opens with an overview of Mongolia - its geography and history to 1900 - through the eyes of a young Mongolian, Munhtuya Altangerel. She emphasizes Mongolians' current views of Genghis Khan as a symbol of independence.".

"Dr. D. Bumaa, 20th-century historian at the National Museum of Mongolian History, then presents the exciting history of Mongolia's century-long struggle to establish independence, first from Manchu Chinese feudal overlords and then from Soviety Communists.".

"The assistant curator of the National Museum of Mongolian History, Eliot Grady Bikales, links the nation's 20th-century transformation to its material culture, focusing on changes in costume, housing, and the altar which accupied the place of honor in the yurt.".

"In the final chapter Dr. Paula L. W. Sabloff presents her anthropological research on the political culture of democracy in modern Mongolia - how it is inspired by the national hero, Genghis Khan, whose empire fluorished in the 13th century but whose influence can be felt in Mongolia's government and ideals today."--BOOK JACKET.