The History Book Club discussion

Yes, that would be fine.

'Aussie Rick' wrote: "Regulo wrote: "Jeff wrote: "Have been monitoring this discussion and admit I'm relatively ignorant of the Crusades beyond the surface details. Picked up Madden's Concise History of the Crusades at..."

'Aussie Rick' wrote: "Regulo wrote: "Jeff wrote: "Have been monitoring this discussion and admit I'm relatively ignorant of the Crusades beyond the surface details. Picked up Madden's Concise History of the Crusades at..."

Hi Aussie Rick, Thanks for sharing the new book by: Procopius's "History of the Wars" Dude this sounds like a serious books to read!

This might be the book that I'm maybe looking for, if it covers all History of Wars in that epic, which is what my military area study is looking for. Please share some more of your readings of the book.

I will see if I can find it at our Barnes & Noble store located here in Gilroy, California/USA.

Regulo

Manuela wrote: "'Aussie Rick' wrote: "Manuela wrote: "Hi Rick,

I promise to let you know my final opinion on the book, but it might take a while, I had to take a break, as these aren't the best of times for me. F..."

Hi Manuela, Great to hear from you again! Thanks for sharing the new books information. I'm interested in the Jihad book,by Paul Fregosi have you read it yet? Sounds like an action type book and perspective view side of the Muslims. I'll look for this book at the book store too.

Regulo

Regulo wrote: "'Aussie Rick' wrote: "Regulo wrote: "Jeff wrote: "Have been monitoring this discussion and admit I'm relatively ignorant of the Crusades beyond the surface details. Picked up Madden's Concise Hist..."

Hi Regulo,

Here are some details on the volumes of "The History of the Wars" by Procopius

Volume I. History of the Wars - Books 1-2. The Persian War
Volume II. History of the Wars - Books 3-4. The Vandalic War
Volume III. History of the Wars - Books 5-6.15. The Gothic War
Volume IV. History of the Wars - Books 6.16-7.35. The Gothic War (continued)
Volume V. History of the Wars - Books 7.36-8. The Gothic War (continued)

In the ANCIENT HISTORY - CLASSICAL ANTIQUITY thread you will find some further detailed information about this series of books but I can say in all honesty I really enjoyed the first volume.

I have read "Jihad" by Paul Fregosi and I quite enjoyed the book, it covers all the military campaigns that should interest you.

by Paul Fregosi

Regulo wrote: "Manuela wrote: "'Aussie Rick' wrote: "Manuela wrote: "Hi Rick,

I promise to let you know my final opinion on the book, but it might take a while, I had to take a break, as these aren't the best ..."

Hi and thanks Regulo,

by Paul Fregosi was a sugestion by Aussie Rick, not me. I find the book to look very promissing and I'm considering buying/adding to my 'to buy' list.

Cheers!

Manuela wrote: "Regulo wrote: "Manuela wrote: "'Aussie Rick' wrote: "Manuela wrote: "Hi Rick,

I promise to let you know my final opinion on the book, but it might take a while, I had to take a break, as these a..."

Hi Manuela, I'm glad to hear your back and hopefully feeling a bit better? Have you read any good books on the Reconquista? I am sorry to hear that books are so expensive in Portugal.

Hi Aussie Rick, or anyone, I am currently still reading “Arab Historians of The Crusades.”

I just wanted to share an amazing reading in the chapter called "The Assassination Of Conrad of Montferrat" (April 1192).

As Conrad was riding his horse by himself later in the evening, suddently two men attacked and murdered him like two wolves with daggers.

Later on Franks seized the companions, and found that they were two apostates of the brotherhood of Ismailites. They had asked who had commanded them to commit this murder, and the assassins said it was the King of England!

This surely is an interesting perspective view of the muslims of how and why this attack happened.

It would be interesting to research who was this group called the brotherhood of the Ismailites.

If you have any futher information on this group please share?

Thanks,
Reggie

Francesco Gabrieli

Regulo wrote: "Hi Aussie Rick, or anyone, I am currently still reading “Arab Historians of The Crusades.”

I just wanted to share an amazing reading in the chapter called "The Assassination Of Conrad of Montfe..."

Hi Regulo, thanks for that interesting post. I found some additional information at wikipedia that may interest you:

Assassination of Conrad

'Aussie Rick' wrote: "Regulo wrote: "Hi Aussie Rick, or anyone, I am currently still reading “Arab Historians of The Crusades.”

I just wanted to share an amazing reading in the chapter called "The Assassination Of C..."

Hi Aussie Rick, Thanks for the interesting link on the assassination of Conrad! It's an amazing story to read both sides of the perspective views between the Christains and the Muslims as to what really happened to Conrad during his assassination during the Crusades!

Rick, it mentions of certain groups like the brotherhood of the Ismailites and other assassin groups.

Do you know of any good books to read or to research on the types and groups of assassins and recruitment during the crusades?

What about the book your reading now, on "The History of the Wars" by Procopius, does it mention anything of the Recruitment of assasssins during that epic?

Thanks You,
Reggie

Regulo wrote: "'Aussie Rick' wrote: "Regulo wrote: "Hi Aussie Rick, or anyone, I am currently still reading “Arab Historians of The Crusades.”

I just wanted to share an amazing reading in the chapter called "..."

Hi Regulo,

Nothing mentioned so far in my books by Procopius but I know of a few books on the market covering the subject however I have not read any of these so can't comment on the contents.

by Bernard Lewis

by Farhad Daftary

by W.B. Bartlett
Publishers blurb:
"The so-called 'Assassins' are one of most spectacular legends of medieval history. In the popular imagination they are drug-crazed fanatics who launched murderous attacks on their enemies, terrorising the medieval world. Since the tales of Marco Polo and others, the myths surrounding them have been fantastically embellished and the truth has become ever more obscure. The group we know as the Assassins first appeared in the late eleventh century. They called themselves Nizaris but to other Muslims they were 'hashishin', a derogatory term meaning 'hashish taker', applied to those they regarded as moral reprobates. When the group came into contact with westerners, 'hashishin' became 'assassin' and has remained ever since a common noun meaning murderer. Universally loathed and feared, they were especially frightening because they apparently had no fear of death. Bartlett's new book deftly traces the origins of the sect out of the schisms within the early Islamic religion and examines the impact of Hasan-i Sabbah, its founder, and Sinan - the legendary 'Old Man of the Mountain'.
This popular history follows the vivid history of the group over the next two centuries, including its clash with the crusaders, its near destruction at the hands of the Mongols, and its subsequent history. Finally, and fascinatingly, we discover how the myths surrounding the assassins have developed over time, and why indeed they continue to have such an impact on the popular imagination."

'Aussie Rick' wrote: "Regulo wrote: "'Aussie Rick' wrote: "Regulo wrote: "Hi Aussie Rick, or anyone, I am currently still reading “Arab Historians of The Crusades.”

I just wanted to share an amazing reading in the c..."

Hi Aussie, Thank you for sharing these books, OKay..I want to start reading some of these books too.

Thanks,
Reggie

I just bought the following based on your recommendation.



Eager to read it

Rene Grousset - Don't forget the author Patrik

Angie...I will move these to their own thread..When posting always only post books related to the topic otherwise they are Off Topic. All you have to do is to PM me and I am usually happy to open up a separate thread for you as I will do now.

Bentley wrote: "Angie...I will move these to their own thread..When posting always only post books related to the topic otherwise they are Off Topic. All you have to do is to PM me and I am usually happy to open ..."

Not a problem. I considered the topic a kind of side thread anyway but wanted to bring it up for consideration.

Regulo wrote: "'Aussie Rick' wrote: "Regulo wrote: "Hi Aussie Rick, or anyone, I am currently still reading “Arab Historians of The Crusades.”

I just wanted to share an amazing reading in the chapter called "..."

Hi Regulo,

This Wikipedia entry presents a list of books you may find interesting concerning Middle Age assassins sects: Hashshashin.

Regulo, do check out
by Amin Maalouf.

'Aussie Rick' wrote: "Manuela wrote: "Regulo wrote: "Manuela wrote: "'Aussie Rick' wrote: "Manuela wrote: "Hi Rick,

I promise to let you know my final opinion on the book, but it might take a while, I had to take a b..."

Hi Rick!
There are a lot of books focusing on the Spanish Reconquista. I have a couple of those but haven't read them all the way through. I'll have to look for the references so I can let you know which, sorry.

In Portugal it's referred to as Reconquista Cristã (Christian Reconquest). A couple of weeks ago I came across a Portuguese book about the movement in Portugal: by Pedro Gomes Barbosa which I already bought. I was thrilled.
I'm now looking for this one as well: by Maria Cristina Pimenta; the title could be translated as "War during the Reconquista".

Maybe these authors have some related articles translated into English, I can have a look.

Trouble is most of the best books on the subject are either Portuguese, either Spanish or French and somewhat hard to find in English, therefore I have the feeling this won't be a very sought after topic or subject.
I haven't given up on finding some related books in English, though, and I'll let you know when I do.

About book costs... a book (paperback) in Portugal usually costs from about 17€ to 23€; the same book in English goes from 9€ to about 13€. In the end, it does make a difference.

Manuela wrote: "'Aussie Rick' wrote: "Manuela wrote: "Regulo wrote: "Manuela wrote: "'Aussie Rick' wrote: "Manuela wrote: "Hi Rick,

I promise to let you know my final opinion on the book, but it might take a whil..."

Hi Manuela, Thank you for sharing these books! If you can see if I can get them in English, that would be great. I'm really interested on those books. I will check around in this area too.

Regulo

Manuela wrote: "'Aussie Rick' wrote: "Manuela wrote: "Regulo wrote: "Manuela wrote: "'Aussie Rick' wrote: "Manuela wrote: "Hi Rick,

I promise to let you know my final opinion on the book, but it might take a whil..."

Hi Manuela, they look like great books, thanks for the post and information. I'm afraid I will also have to look around and see if I can find any of those titles in English. That's a shame about the cost of buying books in Portugal, makes it a bit hard!

Hi Manuela, my copy of "The Crusades through Arab Eyes" has finally arrived. I better see if I can squeeze it in after I finish my current book. Have you read this book at all Manuela?

by Amin Maalouf

Manuela wrote: "Regulo wrote: "'Aussie Rick' wrote: "Regulo wrote: "Hi Aussie Rick, or anyone, I am currently still reading “Arab Historians of The Crusades.”

I just wanted to share an amazing reading in the cha..."

Hi Manuela, Thank you for sharing the links on the crusades, Hashshashin. Very interesting information on the topic. I'd like to get a book on the Middle Age assassins sects of the crusades. I'll keep looking.

Thanks,
Regulo

'Aussie Rick' wrote: "Manuela wrote: "'Aussie Rick' wrote: "Manuela wrote: "Regulo wrote: "Manuela wrote: "'Aussie Rick' wrote: "Manuela wrote: "Hi Rick,

I promise to let you know my final opinion on the book, but it..."

Hi Rick,
Yes I did, some years ago a friend had me reading. To be honest I have the notion that at the time I could not fully grasp the multitude of events that led to the Crusader movement. I've been meaning to read it again, now with a different background and a lot more information on the subject.

Another thing is, this was my first Amin Maalouf book; I need to check it again to see if I find his view biased or not this time around (I didn't but...), as some people state, since he's Lebanese.

A main source of his was [image error] by Usama ibn Munqidh, which is a book I've been meaning to get my hands on for some time. I just added it to my to-read list.

Manuela wrote: "'Aussie Rick' wrote: "Manuela wrote: "'Aussie Rick' wrote: "Manuela wrote: "Regulo wrote: "Manuela wrote: "'Aussie Rick' wrote: "Manuela wrote: "Hi Rick,

I promise to let you know my final opinion..."

Hi Manuela, looks like another interesting book that you suggested. I am soon to finish my current book (on Leningrad in WW2) so I might read "The Crusades through Arab Eyes" and see what its like.

by Amin Maalouf

Hi Rick,
Maalouf's book was a real page turner for me, I hope you find it interesting enough.

Another source of Maalouf's was by Francesco Gabrieli, which Regulo is reading.

Other books set in the Reconquista period I forgot to mention and are usually referenced in studies about the subject, although not as factual sources:

by an unknown author, also called

and

, by another unknown author.

The El Cid books concern the heroic doings of an Iberian 'campeador'(something as 'champion' in the art of war), although it's historical accuracy is often disputed; while the Song of Roland tells us of the death of Roland, supposed nephew to Charlemagne, who perished in the Battle of Roncesvalles (or Battle of Roncevaux Pass), it's accuracy is also disputed. These are poems, often called 'chansons de geste', that tell the deeds of legendary heroes and were very popular during the Middle Ages.

Information about El Cid on wikipedia: El Cid
The Lay of the Cid

Information about Roland in wikipedia: Roland
The Song of Roland

I've been looking for translated editions of some Portuguese books I mentioned earlier. No luck yet, I'm afraid.

Hi Manuela, thanks for all the great information, I enjoyed those links for 'El Cid' and 'Roland' very much. I am going to try and start "The Crusades Through Arab Eyes" today. I have a book on 'El Cid' somewhere in my library that I might have to dig out and have a look at!

by Amin Maalouf

by Richard Fletcher

"Known as El Cid ("the leader"), Rodrigo Diaz is Spain's first national hero, the 11th-century warrior whose conquests liberated the fatherland from the Moors. But the El Cid celebrated in epic and verse bears little relation to the real Diaz, claims British historian Fletcher ( Saint James's Catapult ). Instead of the shining Christian knight, family man and loyalist of legend, he gives us a mercenary soldier who switched sides and spent five years in the pay of a Muslim ruler, fighting Christians. Arrogant and insubordinate, this Cid was "the scourge of his time," in one contemporary's words, a stern overlord of his conquered subjects, driven by an unquenchable thirst for money. Noting that there was little sense of nationhood in the Spain of the time, Fletcher overturns more myths, e.g., the so-called Arab conquest of Spain in the eighth century was carried out mainly by Berbers. Graceful prose and seamless scholarship buoy this idol-smashing portrait." - Publishers Weekly


"Beginning students, sophisticated scholars, and the general reader interested in Spanish medieval history will benefit from this provocative, learned, and elegantly written study of Rodrigo Diaz (c.1043-99)--El Cid--the 11th-century soldier of fortune who became the Spanish national hero. Fletcher begins by sketching the historical scene in Spain and Europe. After an imaginative discussion of the complicated sources of El Cid's life, he describes his aristocratic family background, knightly education, early military campaigns, service at the court of king Sancho II, exile spent as a mercenary soldier in Muslim service, and ultimate triumph as Prince of Valencia. The concluding chapter, as exciting as a murder mystery, explains the growth of the El Cid legend. As an important story fascinatingly told, and as a rich mine of information about many facets of Spanish and Muslim medieval cultures, this book is highly recommended." - Library Journal

After much deliberation I have decided to purchase a copy of "Saladin and the Fall of the Kingdom of Jerusalem" by Stanley Lane-Poole which was first published in 1898 (I have ordered a nice 1926 hardback edition).

For those interested the author was born in London in 1854 and from 1874 to 1892 he worked in the British Museum, and after that in Egypt researching on Egyptian archaeology. From 1897 to 1904 he had a chair as Professor of Arabic studies at Dublin University.

by Stanley Lane-Poole

I have just come across this quote in my current book; "The Crusades Through Arab Eyes" that may amuse a few people:

"The inhabitants of the earth are of two sorts:
Those with brains, but no religion,
And those with religion, but no brains."

By Abu'l-Ala' al-Ma'arri (a blind poet & free-thinker who died in 1057).
Some may argue that things haven't changed much in the world since!

by Amin Maalouf

That is absolutely hysterical. Being that I go to church I hope that does not place me in the second category...although I am not a zealot about it.

I imagine he was disgusted with the entire group of crusaders no matter which side he was looking at.

I think I might have a foot in both camps, no brains and no religion!

Oh gosh..now I am laughing.

Fletcher is an excellent writer - also read his "Bloodfeud" if you get the chance.

Hi Meliasende,

We require that you add the book cover of the book you are recommending and the author's photo and link. All of the details are in the Guidelines thread.

Your entry should look like this:

Richard Fletcher

There was no author's photo so we were only able to add the book cover and the author's link. In the case of the books which have author photos; this is how they should look and should be added:

Winston S. Churchill

Melisende wrote: "Fletcher is an excellent writer - also read his "Bloodfeud" if you get the chance."

Hi Melisende, I have the 'El Cid' book but have not had the chance to read it yet worse luck!

'Aussie Rick' wrote: "Hi Manuela, thanks for all the great information, I enjoyed those links for 'El Cid' and 'Roland' very much. I am going to try and start "The Crusades Through Arab Eyes" today. I have a book on 'El..."

Hey Aussie Rick, Manuela, and Melisende! Thank you for sharing the books on El Cid and the links on Information about El Cid on wikipedia: El Cid
The Lay of the Cid.

You guys you are killing me softly, with these awesome stories to read.

I'm fascinated with the story. I definitely have to get these books to read!

There is an Epic film/movie of the legendary Spanish hero, Rodrigo Diaz ("El Cid" to his followers), made in 1961, with Charlton Heston and Sophia Loren, who depicted the story of El CID. I have seen this film, A fascinating movie!
Link: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0054847/p...

Thanks,
Reggie

Richard Fletcher

Richard Fletcher

Hi Regulo, I have that movie at home on DVD, dated but still a great flick and well worth watching again. I have just finished a chapter (Turban-Clad Resistance) in my current book "The Crusades Through Arab Eyes" that talks about the Assassins sect which you might enjoy if you decide to get a copy of the book.

by Amin Maalouf

I am nearly half-way through the book and it has been an interesting read to see this conflict from the 'other side'.

On page 175 of the book “The Crusades Through Arab Eyes” the author quotes from the chronicler; Ibn al-Athir on the death of Nur al-Din prior to his invasion of Egypt: “But as he was preparing to march to Egypt with his soldiers, God whispered to him the command that cannot be shunned.” – I thought that was a pretty good quote.

by Amin Maalouf

'Aussie Rick' wrote: "On page 175 of the book “The Crusades Through Arab Eyes” the author quotes from the chronicler; Ibn al-Athir on the death of Nur al-Din prior to his invasion of Egypt: “But as he was preparing to m..."

I just placed it on my evergrowing to read / must buy list...

Hi everyone,

Rick, I'm glad you're enjoying by Amin Maalouf. There are some interesting parts there. Maybe you'd find [image error] by Usama ibn Munqidh interesting as well.

Regulo, I know the movie! My grandmother loved those movies and I kind of inherited the liking from her.

Glad you liked the El Cid and Roland stories, Rick and Regulo. I've always felt very compelled to read about these sort of legendary episodes.

And I keep adding books to my wish list... will I ever be able to read them all?

Hi Manuela,

I've just finished "The Crusades Through Arab Eyes" and quite enjoyed it. I found the Epilogue quite interesting and very relevant. I also enjoyed this account from the book (page 241):

“The coup d’état in Cairo did not alter the fate of the king of France. An agreement in principle reached during the time of Turan-Shah stipulated that Louis would be released in return for the withdrawal of all Frankish troops from Egyptian territory, Damietta in particular, and the payment of a ransom of one million dinars. The French sovereign was indeed released several days after the accession to power of Umm Khalil, but not before being treated to a lecture by the Egyptian negotiators: ‘How could a sensible, wise, and intelligent man like you embark on a sea voyage to a land peopled by countless Muslims? According to our law, a man who crosses the sea in this way cannot testify in court’. ‘And why not?’ asked the king. ‘Because’, came the reply, ‘it is assumed that he is not in possession of all his faculties’. "

by Amin Maalouf

To finish off my book here is one more account that I enjoyed from page 251. Franj is Franks – Crusaders:

“As for the Franj of Palestine, they too were only too happy to obtain a respite. The sultan sent his chronicler Ibn ‘Abd-al-Zahir to Acre to seal an accord with them.

Their king sough to temporize to obtain the best possible conditions, but I was inflexible, in accordance with the directives of the sultan. Irritated, the king of the Franj said to the interpreter: ‘Tell him to look behind him.’ I turned around and saw the entire army of the Franj, in combat formation. The interpreter added, ‘The king reminds you not to forget the existence of this multitude of soldiers’. When I did not answer, the king insisted that the interpreter ask for my response. I then asked, ‘Can I be assured that my life will be spared if I say what I think?’ ‘Yes’. ‘Well then, tell the king that there are fewer soldiers in his army than there are Frankish captives in the prisons of Cairo.’ The king nearly choked, then he brought the interview to a close; but he received us a short time later and concluded the truce.”

'Aussie Rick' wrote: "Hi Manuela,

I've just finished "The Crusades Through Arab Eyes" and quite enjoyed it. I found the Epilogue quite interesting and very relevant. I also enjoyed this account from the book (page 24..."

Hello Rick,
I'm happy you liked the book. It does have some interesting passages but I'm curious about Maalouf's sources. It kind of reminds me there are always three sides to every story: mine, yours and the 'truth', or in this case, Christian, Muslim and 'the' truth.

Interesting to see, though, they could actually understand one another, their basic needs, wants, ambitions, fears, flaws, and so on, were not that different, were they? They just seemed to pursuit them from distinct perspectives, with a, I wouldn't say a different set of values, but a different way of interpret or live by them.

Did we, Europe and Middle East, had to go through all those battles to get where we are? To set the foundations for our countries and nationalities? Are we in a that different situation nowadays? Did we, Mankind, become indeed more tolerant or did we get more polite?

I'm not trying to start a discussion here... it's just something I occasionally think about. People are often shocked at the descriptions of war and life and death in those days but war after war, history has taught us that Mankind can always find new ways to be cruel and to overcome cruelty. It's like a curse, really. I suppose that's why I find such matters so interesting, I really would like to understand "why?", since we're not that different.

Sorry for letting this off my chest. I hope I haven't offended anyone.

Hi Manuela, some interesting points raised and it does make you think. Those Franj's who were born in the Middle East during the Crusades managed to learn the language and adopt the ways of the so called 'enemies' and managed to live in harmony with the population usually until some new wave of Crusaders arrived and started the war all over again. The Epilogue to this book raised some very relevant issues although it was published in 1985, well worth reading just to get an idea of why some things are as they are now.

Hi Rick and everyone,
That is a book I definitely have to read again. In by Amin Maalouf, the last of his books I read, the main character Balthasar (Baldassare in the Portuguese and French versions) was the 17th century descendant of a Genoese family (the Embriaco), who had settled in Giblet (Byblos), Lebanon, during the crusades. In this book Maalouf presents us a very well adjusted western man, who keeps his Christian faith but is also understands the ways of the Muslims and that of the Hebrews. This is maybe an example (even though fictional) of how those who, following the crusades, settled in the Middle East could cope and live with fellow neighbors who didn't share their faith.
Lets not forget that on the aftermath of the desolation left by the crusades flourished a well organized set of merchant routes that for centuries were the only way to get spices from Asia into Europe.

Anyway, back on topic...

I found this book [image error] by Norman Housley. I was wondering if anyone had the chance to read it yet? It sparked my curiosity since it does mention Portugal and the Reconquista (yay!).

Two more books I have on my waiting-to-read list at home:
and , both written/edited by Jonathan Riley-Smith.
Opinions anyone? I've read a couple of chapters and was compelled to read some more, that's why I bought them in the first place but haven't gotten around to them yet.

I almost forgot to mention I finally started reading by Maria Cristina Pimenta, about the Reconquista war in Portugal. Too bad it's in Portuguese, no English edition just yet.

Hi Manuela, I have read Jonathan Riley-Smith's book on the Crusades and I enjoyed it although it was first published some time back (1987).

by Jonathan Riley-Smith

I will be interested to hear how you go with your current book by Maria Cristina Pimenta, I hope you enjoy it.

Hi Rick,
Thanks for the encouragement.
I found this article that mentions the Reconquista from a Portuguese point of view, establishing a relation between the Reconquista, Military Orders and Nobility in Portugal:
The Participation of the Nobility in the Reconquest an in the Military Orders by José Augusto de Sotto Mayor Pizarro.

And here is something about the Reconquista in wikipedia: Reconquista.

Hello Rick, Manuela, Patrik, everyone, I've just finished "Arab Historians of the Crusades" By Francesco Gabrieli. I found the book to be very educational and a eye-opener!

Author Francesco Gabrieli does an extraordinary and brilliant job in presenting a concise picture of the relationship between the Arab world of the Middle East and of the Christian world of Europe during the Crusade epic. Altogether, this book gives a stimulating perspective view of the Crusades seen through the Arab eyes.

The book gives you a fascinating glimpse, as to the different battles, skirmishes, slaughter, pillage, battle formations, unconventional warfare tactics, equipment, weapons used by the Muslims against the Christians Armies.

The book gives a closer look at the enemy’s attitudes and ideals, his way of life and methods of warfare, as they appeared during that time of the Holy War by Arab Chroniclers and historians.

A must read for anyone wanting to better educate and understand the reasons for the Crusades and the Muslims way of life, and why till this day, Christians and Muslims are still fighting the wars in that part of the world!

I look forward to your Thoughts and Comments!

I now start on another journey and look for a book on the Crusades, on Assassins and Templars! Will you join me on this journey?

Thank You,
Regulo

Francesco Gabrieli

Hi Regulo,

Glad to hear that you enjoyed "Arab Historians of the Crusades" by Francesco Gabrieli. It sounds like a very interesting book. I am sure you will most likely enjoy "The Crusades Through Arab Eyes" if you decide to follow on your reading on the Crusades.

I'm sorry to say I can't join you on your quest for another good book on the Crusades as I have just started a reading a new book on Charles II. I will follow your posts with interest and hopefully we can discuss some great events during this period of history.

by Francesco Gabrieli

by Amin Maalouf

Hi everyone!

Rick I finally finished by Maria Cristina Pimenta and reviewed it. I liked the book and I was happy to read about the birth of Portugal again, but it just didn't address the Reconquista as much and as thoroughly as I expected. It's a good read though, too bad there isn't an English version.

Along side by Margarida Garcez Ventura, it gives you good account of the relations between Christian kingdoms in the Iberian Peninsula and between these and the Arab kingdoms there and in Marroco, including treaties and agreements arranged between Arab leaders and Christian kings, against other Christian kings.

Regulo, I'm glad you enjoyed by Francesco Gabrieli. I hope I get a chance to read it someday, I'm keeping the reference, thank you.

Although not directly or strictly related to the Crusades movement, I was given by Sean McGlynn for my anniversary, among other books. It does contemplate a chapter on Sieges which I believe take the ones organized during the Crusades as examples. It also addresses military campaigns and battles.
I was wondering if any of you has come across this book?

Manuela wrote: "Hi everyone!

Rick I finally finished by Maria Cristina Pimenta and reviewed it. I liked the book and I was happy to r..."

Hi Manuela, Thank you for the new updates on the recommendations on the books you just read, they sound very interesting. Do they have them in english to read? They sound very interesting to read., I'd like to read them later on. I'm still searching for a good book to read in the crusades still! I cannot make up my mind yet!

Thanks
Regulo

Manuela wrote: "Hi everyone!

Rick I finally finished by Maria Cristina Pimenta and reviewed it. I liked the book and I was happy to r..."

Hi Manuela,

All those books sound pretty good. Hopefully one day soon they may be published in English! Thank you for taking the time to post all that information.

I have seen the book by Sean McGlynn around but have not picked up a copy yet. I will have to look into it!

by Sean McGlynn

This title reminded me about another book on the Knights Templar which I really enjoyed and covers a fair bit of the Crusades.

by John J. Robinson