Chronicles of the Crusades

Rating:
Summary: A superb book on the crusades!
Review: Elizabeth Hallam provides us with a superb book on the crusades told through the words of contemporary or near contemporary writers. The chroniclers were chosen to represent the often conflicting views of the crusades from the viewpoints of the Western, Byzantine and Muslim worlds. A panel of leading experts provides short essays linking the words of the chroniclers.

The book is divided into seven chapters, starting with the Muslim world before 1096 and ending with the Mediterranean after 1453. Superb illustrations and six maps accompany the beautifully written text. Short biographies of the key individuals involved in the crusades and a glossary enhance the reader's understanding of the period. The bibliography leads readers to 20th century books on the crusades.

Anyone interested in the crusades should add this book to their library!