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The Crusades

The War for the Holy Land
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( 6,113 ratings, 580 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Crusades by Thomas Asbridge offers a comprehensive history of the Crusades, spanning from the 11th to 13th centuries. It delves into the complex interactions between Christians and Muslims, exploring key figures, battles, and the socio-political ramifications of this tumultuous period. The narrative weaves a balanced account, making it accessible and insightful for both scholars and general readers.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you are fascinated by medieval history and want a detailed, gripping account of the religious wars between Christians and Muslims from both perspectives. It offers a balanced and engaging narrative enriched with vivid characters and insightful analysis.

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The Crusades

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 Crusades by Thomas Asbridge offers a captivating and meticulously researched exploration of one of history's most enigmatic and tumultuous periods. Spanning from the late eleventh century to the late thirteenth century, this comprehensive account delves into the bitter and often brutal conflicts that arose as Christian and Muslim armies clashed over control of the Holy Land.

In the eleventh century, a vast Christian army, summoned to a holy war by the Pope, rampaged through the Muslim world of the eastern Mediterranean, seizing the revered city of Jerusalem. This city, sacred to both Christians and Muslims, became the centre of a centuries-long battle for dominance. Over the two hundred years that followed the First Crusade, the armies of Islam and the West engaged in a relentless struggle, each side fervently believing they were fulfilling divine mandates.

Asbridge's narrative not only chronicles the epic sieges, battles, and strategies of both forces, but also provides an intimate look at the lives of the people involved. Using contemporary accounts and primary sources, the author reconstructs the experiences, motivations, and attitudes of those on both sides of the conflict. This dual perspective offers a balanced and immersive insight into the era's complex social, religious, and political landscape.

The Crusades brilliantly captures the full horror, passion, and barbaric grandeur of the crusading era. From the ferocious sieges of Antioch and Acre to the legendary figures of Saladin and Richard the Lionheart, Asbridge breathes life into the past, presenting a vivid tableau of heroism and villainy, faith and fanaticism.

‘Asbridge can't help but tell a ripping yarn, often breezily dramatic, whipping the narrative along’ The Times

‘A superb and definitive one-volume account of the Crusades, the impact of which still resonates to this day.’

‘A dramatic and powerful look at both sides of the story’ Sunday Times

‘A compelling narrative... A masterful conclusion’ Observer

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 Crusades by Thomas Asbridge is highly praised for its engaging and comprehensive exploration of the Crusades. Readers commend its balanced and detailed narrative, making complex history accessible and captivating. The book is appreciated for its scholarly depth and readability.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781471196430

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 09 July 2020

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Simon & Schuster Ltd

Edition: Reissue

Illustration: 2x8pp colour plates

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 49.0mm

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 0g

Pages: 800

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About the Author

Thomas Asbridge is a Reader in Medieval History at Queen Mary University in London, and an internationally renowned expert on the history of the Crusades. He has written and presented a major BBC TV series on the Crusades and a documentary on William Marshal. His acclaimed titles The First Crusade and The Crusades are also available from Simon & Schuster.

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