This richly illustrated book presents a readable, authoritative, and comprehensive history of the Crusades, from the preaching of the First Crusade in 1095 to the legacy of crusading ideals and imagery today. Written by a team of leading Crusade scholars, it covers crusading in many different theatres of war. The ideas of apologists, propagandists, and poets, and the perceptions and motives of the crusaders themselves are described, as are the reactions of the Muslims to Christian holy war. The book highlights the remarkable art and architecture associated with the Crusades, and offers fascinating insights into the history of the knightly orders, such as the Knights Templar and the Knights of St John.
The volume includes detailed reference material: maps, chronology, a guide to further reading, and a full index. It will be welcomed by anyone interested in the ideals and history of the Crusades.
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