Ulaanbaatar
Christopher P. Atwood: I Wanted to Bring "The Secret History of the Mongols" Closer to English-Speaking Audiences
Society
Ulaanbaatar, May 29, 2025 /MONTSAME/. At the invitation of the American Center for Mongol Studies, Chair of the University of Pennsylvania’s East Asian Languages and Civilizations Department and renowned scholar of Mongol studies Christopher P. Atwood gave a public lecture “Translating Empire: The Secret History of the Mongols and the Future of Mongol Studies” on May 27, 2025.
Professor Atwood is a leading Western scholar of Mongol studies, who has conducted extensive research on the Mongol Empire, the modern history of Mongolia, Mongols’ historiography, and nomadic theory. He published two volumes on "Young Mongols and Vigilantes in Inner Mongolia's Interregnum Decades, 1911-1931" as well as his comprehensive historical work “Encyclopedia of Mongolia and the Mongol Empire.” In his lecture, held at the American Cultural and Information Center located at the Ulaanbaatar City Public Library named after Natsagdorj Dashdorj, Dr. Atwood spoke about his English translation of “The Secret History of the Mongols” (2023) and the future development of Mongol studies.
Professor Christopher P. Atwood said, “I wanted to give American readers a more understandable version of "The Secret History of the Mongols" from a literary point of view. That is exactly why I mostly used simple English. Translating poetry and old terminology was a challenge. But you could say it has become a substantial body of research work.”
Doctor of Historical Sciences, Professor O. Batsaikhan remarked: “I’ve known Professor Atwood since 1989. As a scholar, Christopher P. Atwood plays a vital role in promoting Mongol history and culture worldwide as well as preparing the next generation of scholars in Mongol studies. While much of his past work focused on the 20th century, the subject matter for his research in recent years has evidently shifted to the 13th century. Based on his previous substantial reference on the Mongol Empire, Professor Atwood translated 'The Secret History of the Mongols.' Rather than comparing it to the work by other prominent researchers in 13th-century studies, his work’s significance lies in bringing this history even closer to English-speaking audiences. In this regard, I consider it a truly special piece of work.”
In recognition of his valuable contribution to Mongol studies, Professor Christopher P. Atwood was awarded the title "Honorary Doctorate" by the National University of Mongolia in 2019.
