First Crusaders, 1095-1131

✍ Scribed by Riley-Smith, J.S.C.

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Year: 1997
• Tongue: English
• Leaves: 314
• Category: Library

✦ Synopsis

Much has been written about the crusades, but very little about the crusaders. What moved them to go? What preparations did they need to make? How did they react to their experiences? This book comes up with detailed answers to these questions, and offers the first systematic reading of a large cache of contemporary source-material. Clusters of crusaders can be identified in individual family groups, and the collective commitment of these claims manifested itself in support for the new settlements in the east. Indeed, crusading was so dependent upon the support and enthusiasm of family groups that the movement was open to domination by them: the example of the Montlhry clan is cited, who tried to seize control of the crusading movement in the 1120s.

✦ Table of Contents

Crusading and crusaders 1095 1131..............7
Holy Sepulchre holy war..............23
Preaching and the crusaders..............53
Recruitment lordship and family..............81
Preparing for crusades..............106
Returning from crusades..............144
Crusading and the Montlherys..............169