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Product Description
Why did the medieval Church bless William of Normandy's invasion of Christian England in 1066 and authorize cultural genocide in Provence? How could a Christian army sack Christian Constantinople in 1204? Why did thousands of ordinary men and women, led by knights and ladies, kings and queens, embark on campaigns of fanatical conquest in the world of Islam? The word 'Crusade' came later, but the concept of a 'war for the faith' is an ancient one. Geoffrey Hindley instructively unravels the story of the Christian military expeditions that have perturbed European history, troubled Christian consciences and embittered Muslim attitudes towards the West. He offers a lively record of the Crusades, from the Middle East to the pagan Baltic, and fascinating portraits of the major personalities, from Godfrey of Bouillon, the first Latin ruler of Jerusalem, to Etienne, the visionary French peasant boy who inspired the tragic Children's Crusade. Addressing questions rarely considered, Hindley sheds new light on pressing issues surrounding religious division and shows how the Crusades have helped to shape the modern world and relations between Christian and Muslim countries to this day.
About the Author
Geoffrey Hindley lectures internationally on medieval history. His many books include The Shaping of Europe, Saladin: A Biography, The Book of Magna Carta and A Brief History of the Crusades. He also co-founder of the Society for the History of Medieval Technology and Science. He lives in France.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
This book, as remarked by the reviewers below is very concise, but what else would a `Brief History Of...' be if anything but?
The book does indeed pre-suppose some knowledge on the readers' part, but this is easily overcome by following Hindley's superb narrative.
One virtually flies through the centuries of conflict, and the key events are expanded upon.
It really is a very good starting point for the beginner, and will encourage the curios to further reading; Runciman's Magnum Opus on the Crusades or Christopher Tyreman's ambitious effort. However, if you do buy this and enjoy it as much as I have, I suggest The First Crusade by Thomas Asbridge as your next port of call.
Further, I would also encourage the reader not to interpret the Crusades in as contemporary sense as other reviewers may suggest, but `enjoy' the period in isolation.
The book does indeed pre-suppose some knowledge on the readers' part, but this is easily overcome by following Hindley's superb narrative.
One virtually flies through the centuries of conflict, and the key events are expanded upon.
It really is a very good starting point for the beginner, and will encourage the curios to further reading; Runciman's Magnum Opus on the Crusades or Christopher Tyreman's ambitious effort. However, if you do buy this and enjoy it as much as I have, I suggest The First Crusade by Thomas Asbridge as your next port of call.
Further, I would also encourage the reader not to interpret the Crusades in as contemporary sense as other reviewers may suggest, but `enjoy' the period in isolation.
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
This is an easy-to-read, concise introduction to The Crusades over the centuries that manages to deal with the main issues in surprising depth. All the main players are here. Maybe there could have been a little bit more info on the battle tactics and a few more maps, but then again, it is a BRIEF history and it does it with panache.
Thankfully, Hindley also refuses to take the simplistic view of some of his peers that Western success was a foregone conclusion - it wasn't.
Definitely recommended for newcomers to the subject.
I am currently reading History at university, with particular emphasis on the Medieval world. My personal area of expertise is the history of Medieval France and Britain, however over the last few years I have developed a fascination with the Holy Land, largely borne out of living in such a multicultural country (Britain). Though it is now muted in comparison to the past, I have still witnessed a sense of Christianity vs Islam in my country; largely people defending Britain as a Christian country in the wake of mass migration over the past 150 years. The sort of inquisitive nature I possess led me to discover the route of this animosity, and the starting point was this book, which I have now owned for a few years. Even so, it remains my first port of call for any Crusades-related knowledge, as it is succinctly presented in such a linear and streamlined fashion that Hindley has created the ultimate starting block for any avid Crusader historian.
I would certainly recommend this book - especially when you consider the price - as it offers a comprehensive overview of one of history's most controversial periods. Not only this, but Hindley's writing compels you to explore in greater detail, and since purchasing this book I have upgraded my own collection of Crusades-related literature to quite a healthy quota!
A definite 5/5 from me.
I would certainly recommend this book - especially when you consider the price - as it offers a comprehensive overview of one of history's most controversial periods. Not only this, but Hindley's writing compels you to explore in greater detail, and since purchasing this book I have upgraded my own collection of Crusades-related literature to quite a healthy quota!
A definite 5/5 from me.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Excellent service
All as described, content of book was exactly what I required. Well packaged. Arrived in plenty of time. Read more
Published 7 months ago by Neverstoplearning
Gripping and informative
I am very impressed by this book. It is very informative and coherently describes a rather confusing period in history. Read more
Published 13 months ago by M. S. M. Pijpekamp
Not for the beginner
Exceptionally well researched book, and well written too. However, this book assumes a lot of knowledge and is not introductory. Read more
Published on 29 April 2007 by Arthur Chitauro
Did they ever end ?
Geoffrey Hindley's book helps the general reader to get a foothold to understanding the Crusading phenomemon which began in earnest in the 11th Century and which has never really... Read more
Published on 16 Jan 2006 by L. Davidson
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