The idea of the crusade remains a potent one.
In this compelling account, Jonathan Philips moves away from modern constructs and possible misconceptions of the crusades, to explore the origins and development of the idea in its historical context.
Through a mixture of narrative and thematic chapters, the book provides both an outline of key events and issues in the history of the crusades to the Holy Land, and an insight into new areas of research.
Supporting documents include letters, charters, poetry, songsa and art. Aimed at 1st and 2nd year history students, thi s new textbook will bring an intriguing subject vividly to life.
Review
"Refreshing an often-told story...without overwhelming the reader...he correctly places the Crusades in their historical perspective in an accessible manner"
BBC History
"...[Phillips] hits the bull's-eye in his level of detail, well chosen primary sources, and broad array of learning aids."
"...teachers and students will find the combination of features highly convenient."
Deborah Gerish, Crusades, Vol 4 (Aldershot: Ashgate, 2006)
From the Back Cover
The age of the Crusades exerts a powerful grip on the contemporary imagination. The word 'crusade' is still in everyday use - and misuse - as invoking a sense of right or moral worth.But what really motivated the crusaders back in the eleventh and twelfth centuries? What impelled men to march 4000 kilometres, risking starvation and battle, to take the holy city of Jerusalem, and then to establish a Christian presence in the Levant? And what was the response of the Muslim world to this new phenomenon?The Crusades, 1095-1197 explores the origins and development of the crusades in their proper historical context. Narrative chapters cover: the First Crusade and the capture of Jerusalem (1099) theprocess of Frankish settlement the failure of the Second Crusade (1145-49) the rise of Saladin* Richard the Lionheart and the Final Crusade (1189-92)Thematic chapters alsoconsider issues such as the Military Orders, kingship, castles and warfare. A Chronology, Who's Who and Documents from Christian and Muslim writers ensure that the book provides an accessible and lively insight into one of the most compellingperiods of history.Jonathan Phillips is Senior Lecturer in Medieval History at Royal Holloway, University of London.