The Crusades: The Authoritative History of the War for the Holy Land

Thomas Asbridge

Mar 2010 · Sold by Harper Collins

About this ebook

The Crusades is an authoritative, accessible single-volume history of the brutal struggle for the Holy Land in the Middle Ages. Thomas Asbridge—a renowned historian who writes with “maximum vividness” (Joan Acocella, The New Yorker)—covers the years 1095 to 1291 in this  big, ambitious, readable account of one of the most fascinating periods in history. From Richard the Lionheart to the mighty Saladin, from the emperors of Byzantium to the Knights Templar, Asbridge’s book is a magnificent epic of Holy War between the Christian and Islamic worlds, full of adventure, intrigue, and sweeping grandeur.

Ratings and reviews

The whole crusade phenomenon is unknown to me before reading this. But once I start reading it, it becomes one of my favorite topics. The attempt to give objective perspective is well done. Overall, I recommend this book.

Excellent book, super accessible to someone with no prior knowledge of the era, while not skimping on the details. The writing and narration are both top-notch.

Concise, easy to read and comprehend. Superbly written and beautifully narrated. This is a MUST READ for anyone interested to learn about the Crusades or learn about the medieval Europe.

About the author

Thomas Asbridge is Reader in Medieval History at Queen Mary, University of London, and the author of 'The Greatest Knight: The Remarkable Life of William Marshal, the Power Behind Five English Thrones' (2014), 'The Crusades: The War for the Holy Land' (2010) and 'The First Crusade: A New History' (2004). He studied for a BA in Ancient and Medieval History at Cardiff University, and then gained his PhD in Medieval History at Royal Holloway, University of London.Thomas wrote and presented a BBC documentary, 'The Greatest Knight: William Marshal', and a landmark three-part documentary series 'The Crusades' for the BBC, filmed on location across the Near East and Europe. He has also appeared in many other internationally broadcast television documentaries and radio programs, and has worked as a historical consultant for HBO and Company Pictures. He now lives in southern England.