The Mongols and the West provides a comprehensive survey of contacts between the Catholic West and the Mongol Empire from 1221 to 1410. This book considers the Mongols as allies as well as conquerors; the perception of them in the West; the papal response to the threat (and opportunity) they presented and the impact of the Mongols on the expanding world view of the maturing Middle Ages. This new edition contains the latest research on the 'steppe background', discussing the character of Mongol governance including keshig (the imperial guard) and the yasa (Mongol law). Now with illustrations and additional maps, this book is ideal for students of medieval European history and the crusades.