Crusades: The Fight for the Holy Land

by Tristan Clark

The Crusades pitted Christians against Muslims, East against West, and Medieval Knights against the warriors of great Sultanates. They spawned a mythology based on heroism, chivalry and religious devotion, as Popes, Emperors and Caliphs battled for control of the Holy Land. The invasions also generated romance, philosophy and literature in equal measure, and above all plunged the Middle East into 200 years of struggle and violence.

By the end of the conflicts, the Christians had failed to hold Jerusalem, and possessed only one true stronghold in the region, at Acre; this fell in 1291, and signaling the end of a tumultuous period in world history.

This very short history provides an overview of one of the most brutal periods of world history, whose impacts are still felt today.

The Very Short History series gives the reader a clear, concise, and very short, account of the people and events that have shaped world history. Each book provides an entertaining and engaging narrative, allowing the reader to master the subject in the shortest time possible.

38 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 15, 2015

Reviews

[Julia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Short history as the title suggests. I was interested in how much Henry II and Richard the Lionheart were involved. Quite a complicated time it seems!

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Clark provides a very interesting summary of the crusades with a fascinating judgment. Commenting that whilst many commentators value the strength of figures such as Richard I and Saladin they condemn the crusades themselves. Plenty of detail is provided making a sufficient introduction to the subject.