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The Siege of Acre, 1189-1191: Saladin, Richard the Lionheart, and the Battle That Decided the Third Crusade
The first comprehensive history of the most decisive military campaign of the Third Crusade and one of the longest wartime sieges of the Middle Ages
The two-year-long siege of Acre (1189–1191) was the most significant military engagement of the Third Crusade, attracting armies from across Europe, Syria, Mesopotamia, Egypt, and the Maghreb. Drawing on a balanced selection of Christian and Muslim sources, historian John D. Hosler has written the first book-length account of this hard-won victory for the Crusaders, when England’s Richard the Lionheart and King Philip Augustus of France joined forces to defeat the Egyptian Sultan Saladin. Hosler’s lively and engrossing narrative integrates military, political, and religious themes and developments, offers new perspectives on the generals, and provides a full analysis of the tactical, strategic, organizational, and technological aspects on both sides of the conflict. It is the epic story of a monumental confrontation that was the centerpiece of a Holy War in which many thousands fought and died in the name of Christ or Allah.
The two-year-long siege of Acre (1189–1191) was the most significant military engagement of the Third Crusade, attracting armies from across Europe, Syria, Mesopotamia, Egypt, and the Maghreb. Drawing on a balanced selection of Christian and Muslim sources, historian John D. Hosler has written the first book-length account of this hard-won victory for the Crusaders, when England’s Richard the Lionheart and King Philip Augustus of France joined forces to defeat the Egyptian Sultan Saladin. Hosler’s lively and engrossing narrative integrates military, political, and religious themes and developments, offers new perspectives on the generals, and provides a full analysis of the tactical, strategic, organizational, and technological aspects on both sides of the conflict. It is the epic story of a monumental confrontation that was the centerpiece of a Holy War in which many thousands fought and died in the name of Christ or Allah.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published June 26, 2018
23 people are currently reading
298 people want to read
About the author
John D. Hosler
14 books4 followersJohn D. Hosler is associate professor of military history at the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth. He holds a Ph.D. in history from the University of Delaware and is a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society. Dr. Hosler lives in Kansas City, KS.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
January 4, 2022
Excellent study of the siege of Acre. Exactly what it promises in that respect, although the title is a tad misleading since Richard arrives late – both in reality, and in the book: page 120 of 160, not counting the conclusion and the appendices.
The author gives us an excellent narrative of said siege, by making expert use of the available sources and giving us as true a picture as can be gleaned from them. Does not bog down in theoreticals, but gives us what happened, by which I mean that which the author thinks is most likely and why. Very even, but also engaging and fluid narrative. Highly recommended.
The author gives us an excellent narrative of said siege, by making expert use of the available sources and giving us as true a picture as can be gleaned from them. Does not bog down in theoreticals, but gives us what happened, by which I mean that which the author thinks is most likely and why. Very even, but also engaging and fluid narrative. Highly recommended.
June 27, 2021
Modern and detailed examination of the siege of Acre using sources from both sides of the conflict, the book itself has been fully researched and it is interesting even to the lay historian.
February 4, 2019
A great, engaging military history of the siege.
The narrative is accessible, and Hosler does a great job sorting through the legends and presenting how the siege really did and could have happened. He ably describes how medieval wars were fought and his coverage of the battles is vivid and detailed.
Hosler’s coverage of Philip is more balanced than some other accounts, and he gives this king his due for the contributions he did make, while still covering how he was eclipsed by Richard’s prowess and personality. He also describes how effectively the two worked together
A detailed, well-written work, although the writing has some odd slang at times, and there’s not much on the religious context.
The narrative is accessible, and Hosler does a great job sorting through the legends and presenting how the siege really did and could have happened. He ably describes how medieval wars were fought and his coverage of the battles is vivid and detailed.
Hosler’s coverage of Philip is more balanced than some other accounts, and he gives this king his due for the contributions he did make, while still covering how he was eclipsed by Richard’s prowess and personality. He also describes how effectively the two worked together
A detailed, well-written work, although the writing has some odd slang at times, and there’s not much on the religious context.
January 13, 2021
A careful, all sides considered history of the titular Siege which, despite the books alluring subtitle does little to bolster the reputations of either Richard the Lionheart or Saladin (indeed the text itself concludes that their great victories came outside of the Siege).
Still, it’s a thoughtful and readable account of the Siege, and good secondary reading if you have an interest in The Third Crusade, or any of the major players and want some more specific event reading.
It has to be noted that it’s defence of Richard’s über-controversial slaughter of prisoners of war references not one but two Ridley Scott films (at least pouring cold water on his horrible Robin Hood) which was frankly unexpected.
Still, it’s a thoughtful and readable account of the Siege, and good secondary reading if you have an interest in The Third Crusade, or any of the major players and want some more specific event reading.
It has to be noted that it’s defence of Richard’s über-controversial slaughter of prisoners of war references not one but two Ridley Scott films (at least pouring cold water on his horrible Robin Hood) which was frankly unexpected.
January 11, 2020
Recommended for: Casual historians with an existing general understanding of the major players in the Third Crusade, as well as military concepts and artillery of the time.
Remarks: One of those books that I didn't realize I needed until I found out about its release. Hosler's in-depth retelling of Acre is plenty dense in military tactical and strategical descriptions of the siege without getting too dry or confusing for the casual reader (though, admittedly, I did need to research what a 'cat' was). Throughout the text, Hosler also consults both Western and Eastern sources and often compares them while discussing the potential biases in both (like with other wartime histories, the Western and Eastern sources often contradict each other).
For a reader that is used to a very Angevin-centric view of the Third Crusade, it was refreshing to read a work that did not focus entirely on Richard (personal obsession aside). The work delved into the first year and a half of the siege quite vividly, describing in detail the efforts of other lesser-praised heroes such as Guy, Conrad, and Henry of Charlemagne.
Certainly a book that I will pick up again a couple years from now.
Remarks: One of those books that I didn't realize I needed until I found out about its release. Hosler's in-depth retelling of Acre is plenty dense in military tactical and strategical descriptions of the siege without getting too dry or confusing for the casual reader (though, admittedly, I did need to research what a 'cat' was). Throughout the text, Hosler also consults both Western and Eastern sources and often compares them while discussing the potential biases in both (like with other wartime histories, the Western and Eastern sources often contradict each other).
For a reader that is used to a very Angevin-centric view of the Third Crusade, it was refreshing to read a work that did not focus entirely on Richard (personal obsession aside). The work delved into the first year and a half of the siege quite vividly, describing in detail the efforts of other lesser-praised heroes such as Guy, Conrad, and Henry of Charlemagne.
Certainly a book that I will pick up again a couple years from now.
December 8, 2020
And done.
A thoroughly fascinating read, THE SIEGE OF ACRE presents an in-depth look at the bloody, gruelling and ultimately decisive battle of the Third Crusade. Having read about the siege time and again in other history books, it's difficult to doubt the author's claim that his focused analysis is the first of its kind.
Admittedly a little on the dry side, Hosler provides a wealth of information, detail and anecdotes in a refreshingly short volume. Nevertheless, he manages to capture the length, cost and importance of the battle and a sense of its key players with aplomb.
Those looking for a more insightful examination of the main historical figures should look elsewhere (Gillingham's 'Richard I', Marc Morris's 'King John'), as THE SIEGE OF ACRE works hard to remain objective throughout, drawing on Muslim sources as much as Christian ones.
All the same, while Hosler eschews the timeworn legends of both Richard and Saladin (and Acre was no testament to military genius), the author does betray a little bias towards the end, causing this reader to question his conclusion. To regard the atrocities of the past with the values of today is indeed 'presentism', yes, but how else is one to map their lasting moral impact?
In the end, Hosler leaves us with an unforgettable and worthy impression of the notorious titular ordeal, even if the overall verdict appears to fall somewhat short of the mark.
Two wrongs don't make a right.
A thoroughly fascinating read, THE SIEGE OF ACRE presents an in-depth look at the bloody, gruelling and ultimately decisive battle of the Third Crusade. Having read about the siege time and again in other history books, it's difficult to doubt the author's claim that his focused analysis is the first of its kind.
Admittedly a little on the dry side, Hosler provides a wealth of information, detail and anecdotes in a refreshingly short volume. Nevertheless, he manages to capture the length, cost and importance of the battle and a sense of its key players with aplomb.
Those looking for a more insightful examination of the main historical figures should look elsewhere (Gillingham's 'Richard I', Marc Morris's 'King John'), as THE SIEGE OF ACRE works hard to remain objective throughout, drawing on Muslim sources as much as Christian ones.
All the same, while Hosler eschews the timeworn legends of both Richard and Saladin (and Acre was no testament to military genius), the author does betray a little bias towards the end, causing this reader to question his conclusion. To regard the atrocities of the past with the values of today is indeed 'presentism', yes, but how else is one to map their lasting moral impact?
In the end, Hosler leaves us with an unforgettable and worthy impression of the notorious titular ordeal, even if the overall verdict appears to fall somewhat short of the mark.
Two wrongs don't make a right.
May 19, 2018
A great historical overview filled with a treasure trove of details, notes, charts, etc.
Read for personal research. Overall, a good book for the researcher and enthusiast.
I found this book's contents helpful and inspiring - number rating relates to the book's contribution to my needs.
Amazon's Intro:
The first comprehensive history of the most decisive military campaign of the Third Crusade and one of the longest wartime sieges of the Middle Ages
The two-year-long siege of Acre (1189–1191) was the most significant military engagement of the Third Crusade, attracting armies from across Europe, Syria, Mesopotamia, Egypt, and the Maghreb. Drawing on a balanced selection of Christian and Muslim sources, historian John D. Hosler has written the first book-length account of this hard-won victory for the Crusaders, when England’s Richard the Lionheart and King Philip Augustus of France joined forces to defeat the Egyptian Sultan Saladin.
Read for personal research. Overall, a good book for the researcher and enthusiast.
I found this book's contents helpful and inspiring - number rating relates to the book's contribution to my needs.
Amazon's Intro:
The first comprehensive history of the most decisive military campaign of the Third Crusade and one of the longest wartime sieges of the Middle Ages
The two-year-long siege of Acre (1189–1191) was the most significant military engagement of the Third Crusade, attracting armies from across Europe, Syria, Mesopotamia, Egypt, and the Maghreb. Drawing on a balanced selection of Christian and Muslim sources, historian John D. Hosler has written the first book-length account of this hard-won victory for the Crusaders, when England’s Richard the Lionheart and King Philip Augustus of France joined forces to defeat the Egyptian Sultan Saladin.
June 11, 2022
La forma del libro parece más adecuada para una tesis doctoral que para una novela. Hay referencias continuas a las fuentes primarias de lo que se sabe del sitio de Acre, tanto cristianas como musulmanas. De hecho uno de sus principales valores es que contrasta lo que dicen ambas partes en cada acción militar, o incluso lo que no dicen, cuando unos hacen referencia a un hecho militar y los otros lo omiten. El rigor histórico es máximo llegando a contar lo que costaba la comida, lo que cobraban los soldados o todos los nombres que se conocen de participantes de los dos bandos.
Y a pesar del rigor histórico y de la avalancha de datos el libro se hace ameno. La historia es tan interesante, el hecho de armas es tan sorprendente -una ciudad sitiada cuyos sitiadores también son rodeados por otro ejército durante dos años- que la forma de contarlo no importa. Realmente hay muchos momentos en los que queremos saber más, cómo ocurrió algo en detalle, qué pasaba mientras tanto dentro de la ciudad de Acre, pero esa información no nos ha llegado y el autor no se la inventa.
Un magnífico ejemplo de que se puede ser riguroso e interesante al mismo tiempo.
Y a pesar del rigor histórico y de la avalancha de datos el libro se hace ameno. La historia es tan interesante, el hecho de armas es tan sorprendente -una ciudad sitiada cuyos sitiadores también son rodeados por otro ejército durante dos años- que la forma de contarlo no importa. Realmente hay muchos momentos en los que queremos saber más, cómo ocurrió algo en detalle, qué pasaba mientras tanto dentro de la ciudad de Acre, pero esa información no nos ha llegado y el autor no se la inventa.
Un magnífico ejemplo de que se puede ser riguroso e interesante al mismo tiempo.
January 5, 2026
A fantastic study of the “beginning” of the Third Crusade.
I appreciate Hosler’s exhaustive research that cross references western accounts with their eastern counterparts. This was provided for significant examples (battles), and seemingly insignificant examples (the price of eggs in the crusader camp, or how many camels Saladin lost on a ship).
This book does a wonderful job of removing the historical romantic treatments of both Saladin and Richard the Lionheart (and King Philip, and Henry, and Guy) - and showing them in their true colors, failures and all, using accounts from both Christian and Muslim sources.
By far the most detailed study of The Siege of Acre specifically, and a history buff’s complimentary comparison of Third Crusade leaders in general.
I appreciate Hosler’s exhaustive research that cross references western accounts with their eastern counterparts. This was provided for significant examples (battles), and seemingly insignificant examples (the price of eggs in the crusader camp, or how many camels Saladin lost on a ship).
This book does a wonderful job of removing the historical romantic treatments of both Saladin and Richard the Lionheart (and King Philip, and Henry, and Guy) - and showing them in their true colors, failures and all, using accounts from both Christian and Muslim sources.
By far the most detailed study of The Siege of Acre specifically, and a history buff’s complimentary comparison of Third Crusade leaders in general.
October 13, 2023
This book provides an in-depth look at the battle that ended the Third Crusade in the Muslims' favor. It is well-written, and meticulously researched. It is also a relatively short book. I would have preferred it to be somewhat longer, and to provide more of an overview of the period and the Crusades in general. It could be a bit confusing for the lay reader, without significant prior knowledge of the region's history.
February 17, 2019
This book covers the siege of Acre. I think I was hoping for more information concerning Richard’s time in Acre, but considering he arrived at the tail end of the siege, there wasn’t that much to really tell. Most of what I read here about the King’s time in Acre I learned elsewhere. But this book was well written and the information well presented.
February 23, 2020
An informative and well-written account of the Siege of Acre. But where this volume truly exceeds is in its Appendices, which give extensive details about the skirmishes and lists of combatants on both sides of the conflict, complete with a list of its source material. Recommended, indeed!
April 4, 2024
Anyone interested in military history and/or the Crusades should read this book. All the details of varying sources can be found here, some of which are just straight up hilarious, whether or not they intend to be. Possibly the best Crusades-era book I've read (so far)
September 6, 2022
Fascinating time period and a very enjoyable read.
September 29, 2024
"The Siege of Acre" by John D. Hosler is an exhaustive account of the conflict and an excellent read for those interested in military and medieval history.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews