Barbarians of Asia: The People of the Steppes from 1600 B C (Dorset Press Reprints)

Skip the first chapter; it's melodramatic sentimentality that almost caused me to put the book back on the shelf. Good thing I didn't, though, because TBoA is a worthwhile read, despite its dated style. Basically, it's a synthesis of secondary materials into a large, general narrative. Nothing really new or original involved. Still, I don't see many books on the subject so TBoA did a good job of starting to fill in that (large) hole in my knowledge of history. Something that would have made the book a lot better is more/better maps. The various tribes and strange place-names get rather confusing; a few quality maps would have been a big help. Of course, if you're already well versed in the subject, you won't need the maps (but, then again, if you already familiar with the subject, then the book is probably too basic for you anyway). Recommended.

A friend lent me this book a few years ago (I wish the cover picture was available to be sure it's the same one). If it's the one I'm thinking of, it was one of the best historical expositions I've seen, and explained much. Also very readable.

A sweeping, epic look at Central Asia, the rise and fall of great empires, and the impact of these restless nomadic tribes on the civilized regions of Europe, the Near East, India and China. A thrilling book that should be back in print.