Competing Voices from the Crusades (Fighting Words Series) - Hardcover

Andrew Holt

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 184645011X ISBN 13: 9781846450112

Publisher: Greenwood World Publishing, 2008

Synopsis

Taking a uniquely multi-perspective approach, this anthology juxtaposes the recorded experiences and views of participants on the opposing sides in the Crusades. Each chapter focuses on an event, such as the Crusader massacre of the inhabitants of Jerusalem in 1099 and the Siege of Damascus in 1148, and is supported by commentary. Including some sources never before translated into English, this collection applies new perspectives to a popular and much-studied topic.In tone and range, the anthology occupies the middle ground between popular works lacking source analysis and scholarly works that are too narrow in scope to appeal to anyone but the specialist. It is perfect for undergraduates, school students and readers with a general interest in medieval history.The carefully-chosen contrasting contemporary views of key events, including eyewitness accounts, memoirs and elite views, are laid out in a clear and easy-to-follow format with introductory texts and contextual notes. Together, they provide a unique introduction to the most controversial events of the crusades, allowing readers to formulate their own opinions of them.

About this title

Review:

"This book is an interesting and ambitious concept, aiming to present Latin Christian, Muslim and Byzantine voices from the Crusades and, to quote the editors, to allow readers to determine for themselves how such events were interpreted and understood by the participants. A number of these extracts have appeared elsewhere, but often in specifically Crusading or Muslim-centred collections; to bring them together is a sensible move. The excerpts of primary source text are introducted by brief scene-setting comments and the entire collection is prefaced by a thoughtful and tersely argued summary of modern views of the Crusades. It also includes something usually ignored in textbooks - an excellent outline of Christian-Muslim conflict before the Crusades." - Jonathan Phillips, Times Higher Education

About the Author:

Andrew Holt is Adjunct Professor of History at the University of North Florida. He is a contributor of various articles to the forthcoming Handbook of Medieval Studies (de Gruyter). James Muldoon is Professor Emeritus of Rutgers University-Camden. His many books include The Expansion of Europe: the First Phase (1977), Popes, Lawyers, and Infidels: The Church and the Non-Christian World 1250-1550 (1979) and Empire and Order: The Concept of Empire, 800-1800 (1999).

About this edition

• Publisher: Greenwood World Publishing
• Publication date: 2008
• ISBN 10: 184645011X
• ISBN 13: 9781846450112
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 333
• Editor: Andrew Holt, James Muldoon