Herdsman to Statesman: The Autobiography of Jamsrangiin Sambuu of Mongolia

This compelling autobiography offers a panoramic view of the daily joys of a traditional Mongolian herding life as well as the hardships of oppressive foreign rule, abetted by avaricious local nobles and monks. Sambuu's story demonstrates the attraction of Communism for the poor and subjugated in an exploitative system. He himself flourished under Communism, becoming ambassador to the Soviet Union during the Stalin era and to North Korea during the Korean War and ultimately president of Mongolia. Enriched by a thoughtful introduction by leading scholar Morris Rossabi that sets the historical stage, this life story of a still-beloved Mongolian illuminates a world few in the West have seen.

Morris Rossabi is distinguished professor of history, City University of New York, and adjunct professor, Columbia University. Mary Rossabi is an independent scholar and translator.