John Man is a British historian and travel writer renowned for his expertise on Mongolia, China, and the history of written communication. His notable works include "Genghis Khan: Life, Death and Resurrection," which has been translated into 18 languages, and "The Gutenberg Revolution," part of a trilogy exploring pivotal developments in writing. Other significant titles such as "Attila the Hun," "Kublai Khan: The Mongol King Who Remade China," and "Xanadu: Marco Polo and the Discovery of the East" reflect his deep engagement with Asian history and leadership. His contributions earned him Mongolia’s Friendship Medal in 2007 for strengthening UK-Mongolian relations.
Man’s career began with studies in German and French at Oxford, followed by postgraduate work in Mongolian at the School of Oriental and African Studies. After stints in journalism with Reuters and publishing with Time-Life Books, he transitioned to writing, blending historical narrative with firsthand exploration. His works often merge scholarly research with vivid storytelling, as seen in "Gobi: Tracking the Desert," the first book on the region in decades, and "The Terracotta Army," timed with a major British Museum exhibition.
A lifelong fascination with Mongolia’s culture and history has driven much of Man’s output, including "The Leadership Secrets of Genghis Khan," which bridges historical analysis and contemporary leadership theory. His later works, such as "Samurai: The Last Warrior," demonstrate his ability to illuminate diverse historical figures and eras. Combining rigorous scholarship with adventurous fieldwork, Man continues to uncover overlooked chapters of global history.