The Storm from the East (2)

This is where I have started my research. Now it has become Unit 3 of my book. The unit is titled "Unveiling the Alien: The Diplomatic Overtures on the Brink of the All-Out War". Chapter 1 which deals with the Mongol invasion of Central Europe in 1241-1242 is called "The Squall from the East". 

I have started to check the previous version. As usual, there are many corrections though it is only the initial stage of my work. On the next step, I will evaluate my findings of the new research that I have done on the subject. Then, I will endeavor to match the new extracts with the older ones.  

I will appreciate any comments on my work. Even experts in the field do not cover all the possible angles and sometimes I am in doubt to decide which version to follow. A fresh look from the outside, both from a layman and a specialist, might be most welcome. 

Just to give you a taste of what I am thinking about. Many European commentaries, such as the author of the Novgorod Chronicle and Matthew Paris, keep their eyes on the Mongols' brutality. The Pope calls the eastern invaders to halt their extermination of people without discrimination. How about the following outlook: the khans were adamant believers in their mission to subjugate all the nations of the world. Those who opposed their proposal would become an enemy and had to perish since they betrayed the divine order. Those who proposed peace were viewed as applicants for submission and were given instructions how their submission should be exercised. The Mongols were the prisoners of their chimerical dream and their persistence in fulfilling it turned into the nightmare for their neighbors. 

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The Storm from the East

I am doing an additional research about the Mongol assault on Central Europe in 1241-42. I would like to show what intrigue was hiding behind the decision to launch the western campaign and understand the interplay between the main participants. I also want to give intelligible reasons for the "Tartar" withdrawal from the arena.

It is time to reveal the background of the "barbarians", i.e. pastoral nomads of the Eurasian steppes, whose life style differed so much from that of the sedentary civilizations both in the East and the West.

There's still much work to do as I have to read a lot of monographs and articles about the medieval military history to explain the clash between the Latin Christendom and the Mongols.

No part of this article has been published yet. It will be followed by three other passages which tell the story of the contacts between the European powers and the Mongols in the aftermath of this assault.

I recommend reading a book penned by R.A. Gabriel and D.W. Boose, Jr, The Great Battles of Antiquity. They also speak about the Middle Ages.

My special thanks to the readers of my diary from Russia, the USA, and Ukraine. I remind you that the updated list of my twenty-two articles can be found at my profile page  https://scriggler.com/Profile/michael_baizerman

Image: The archery bombardment of the light cavalry with the lancers waiting concealed by the smoke screen 

https://www.realmofhistory.com/2016/02/10/10-facts-you-should-know-about-the-mongol-soldier/

A Call for a Beta Reader

I am looking for a better reader for my emerging history book, The Enchanting Encounter with the East. The extract that I would like to be reviewed embraces the first two units and makes up about 70 pages.

The candidate should have a passable knowledge of history: my book covers the Late Middle Ages and focuses on the attitude of European intellectuals to the East, especially the Far East. My work is intended for general readers so I don't expect to run into an expert. I would appreciate any advice including the quality and provocative questions.

I am still examining materials for Unit 3 which concerns the Mongols' invasion of Europe as part of their western campaign during1241-42.

My special thanks to my Russian audience who made up the majority of my readers last month.

I would like to recommend Robert Marshal's book, The Storm from the East, which is available on google books. I am enjoying reading it now and not only the chapter which deals with my topic.