sonofthunder's review against another edition
4.0
My reading of the history of the Crusades continues. This volume is simply action packed. While I still maintain that this is a solid historical work and thus the author retains a dry, scholarly tone for the most part...there is so much happening in this period of history that the drama and pathos cannot be restrained, oh no. Reading through these pages, I now understand why so many epics and songs and tales were written of this period. There is just so much happening. So many wars, so many battles, all the betrayals, the marriages, the raw hatred and sheer ambition and greed, greed, greed. I will not attempt to summarize this volume, but I was almost overwhelmed at times just how much was going on. The different principalities (both Muslim and Christian) constantly vying for supremacy and dominion...and of course some of the later Crusades also had their impact on the region. The Second Crusade was pretty much a miserable failure (from a Christian perspective), and while the Third Crusade wasn't entirely a success either, it did have some epic moments. Finally understanding a bit more who "Richard Coeur de Lion" was and why he was such a dramatic figure (short version? He was an amazing general and warrior and leader of men, kind of a terrible ruler and king and not that nice of a guy either). The Third Crusade in general was most fascinating to read about, just seeing the major heads of state of the West come East for "Christ and glory"...and seeing the different personalities flare and dazzle. And of course in this book was Saladin, one of the most unique and thrilling characters of this period. So multi-faceted, truly one of whom songs and tales are still told to this day, so great was his impact on history. There are so many other personalities I could talk about...so many more battles...so much more drama. But I shall cease. This book is history and so it is about real men and women, real historical events. And at the end of the day, that's the lesson that rings true. These people doing what they thought right, at least as it pertained to them. These people fighting for their own good and glory. These people living in a far ago time...yet they seem not that dissimilar to us now. Fantastic book.
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