Conquering the North – China, Russia, Mongolia; 2000 Years of Conflict

Date

16 Jun 2025

Time

6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Location

The New Club
86 Princes St, Edinburgh EH2 2BB

Event Description

Join us for an evening with acclaimed historian and travel writer John Man, who discusses his latest book, ‘Conquering the North’, a gripping exploration of two millennia of conflict and the connection between China, Mongolia and Russia.

From ancient warlords and imperial ambition to Soviet influence and modern geopolitics, John Man traces the enduring tensions that have shaped this vast and volatile region. Journeying along the Great Wall and across remote landscapes, he brings to life the stories of power, resistance and cultural identity that continue to resonate today.

Blending historical insight with vivid personal narrative, this promises to be a fascinating evening with one of the leading chroniclers of Central Asian history.

John’s book will be available for purchase and signing at the event. It is also available at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Conquering-North-Russia-Mongolia-Conflict/dp/0861549600

This event is sponsored by Goyo Travel and in collaboration with Namsrai Henderson.

(Introduction will be made by Goyo Reston. Goyo and her husband, Olly, run tours to Mongolia (GoyoTravel.com). She was John’s guide when he was researching Genghis Khan: Life, Death and Resurrection.)

Speaker

  • John Man
    John Man
    British Historian & Writer

    John Man is a British historian and travel writer renowned for his engaging explorations of Central and East Asian history, particularly focusing on Mongolia and its surrounding regions. Educated at Keble College, Oxford, where he studied German and French, he pursued postgraduate studies in the History and Philosophy of Science at Oxford and Mongolian at London University’s School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), completing the latter in 1968.

    John Man’s career began in journalism with Reuters and in publishing with Time-Life Books before he made the transition to full-time writing. His works are distinguished by a blend of scholarly research and vivid personal narrative, bringing historical figures and events to life for a broad readership. Notable publications include Genghis Khan: Life, Death and Resurrection, Kublai Khan: The Mongol King Who Remade China, The Terracotta Army, and The Great Wall. His latest book, Conquering the North: China, Russia, Mongolia; 2000 Years of Conflict, continues his examination of the complex histories and relationships within this pivotal region.

    In recognition of his contributions to UK–Mongolian relations, John was awarded Mongolia’s Friendship Medal in 2007. His works have been translated into over twenty languages, reflecting his international appeal and the global relevance of his subjects.

Hourly Schedule

6:00 PM - 6:30PM
Arrival & Networking
6:30PM - 6:40PM
Introductions - Enkhee Henderson
6:40PM - 6:50PM
Opening Remarks - Goyo Reston
6:50PM - 7:10PM
Book Talk - John Man
7:10PM - 7:30PM
Audience Q&A
7:30PM - 8:00PM
Refreshments & Book Signing

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