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The Life and Legend of the Sultan Saladin

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The Life and Legend of the Sultan Saladin by Jonathan Phillips delves into the remarkable life of the legendary leader Saladin. This biography explores his rise from humble beginnings to becoming a pivotal figure in the medieval Islamic world, celebrated for his chivalry and military prowess during the Crusades. Phillips examines both the historical Saladin and the myths surrounding his legacy, providing insight into his enduring influence in both the East and West.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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If you're fascinated by medieval history and the intricacies of the Crusades era, you might enjoy this captivating exploration of the life of one of history's most illustrious figures. This biography delves into the remarkable journey of a legendary leader, offering insight into his vision, battles, and impact on both Eastern and Western cultures.

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

The riveting and definitive biography of the Islamic world's most famous military hero.

Superbly researched and enormously entertaining... One of the outstanding books of the year - The Times

An epic story of empire-building and bloody conflict, this ground-breaking biography of one of history's most venerated military and religious heroes opens a window on the Islamic and Christian worlds' complex relationship.

WINNER OF THE SLIGHTLY FOXED BEST FIRST BIOGRAPHY PRIZE

When Saladin recaptured Jerusalem from the Crusaders in 1187, returning the Holy City to Islamic rule, he sent shockwaves throughout Christian Europe and the Muslim Near East that reverberate today.

It was the culmination of a supremely exciting life. Born into a significant Kurdish family in northern Iraq, this warrior and diplomat fought under the banner of jihad, but at the same time worked tirelessly to build an empire that stretched from North Africa to Western Iraq. Gathering together a turbulent coalition, he was able to capture Jerusalem, only to trigger the Third Crusade and face his greatest adversary, King Richard the Lionheart.

Drawing on a rich blend of Arabic and European sources, this is a comprehensive account of both the man and the legend to which he gave birth, describing vividly the relentless action of his life and tracing its aftermath through culture and politics all the way to the present day.

An authoritative and brilliantly told account of the life of one of the world's greatest - and most famous - military leaders - Peter Frankopan

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Life and Legend of the Sultan Saladin by Jonathan Phillips is acclaimed for its superb research and readability. It is praised as a vivid, entertaining, and authoritative account of Saladin's life and legacy, likened to gripping battle scenes from "Game of Thrones". The book is considered an outstanding, timely, and valuable historical biography, shedding light on Saladin's enduring influence and the complexity of the 12th-century Middle East.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780099572749

Publisher: Vintage Publishing

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 23 July 2020

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Vintage

Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 31.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 375g

Pages: 512

About the Author

Jonathan Phillips is Professor of Crusading History at Royal Holloway, University of London. He is the author of Holy Warriors- A Modern History of the Crusades; The Second Crusade- Extending the Frontiers of Christianity; The Fourth Crusade and the Sack of Constantinople; The Crusades, 1095-1197; Defenders of the Holy Land, 1119-1187 and the co-editor of three academic essay collections on the Crusades. Phillips is the co-editor of the academic journal Crusades, writes for BBC History and History Today and has made numerous radio and television appearances.

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