The Crusades

by Henry Treece

In November of 1095 Pope Urban II launched a holy war against the infidel. In 1464 a demented pontiff led an imaginary band of crusaders as far as an Adriatic port. Between these dates Europe was infected by a strangely persistent fever of mass idealism. Though outward zeal often cloaked the most cynical of motives, this universal spirit seized upon thousands - noblemen and peasants, warriors and scholars, ascetics and lechers, vagabonds and kings. Written by a prolific author of numerous histories, novels, drama, criticisms and verse, The Crusades provides a lively and authentic account of two hundred years of war, sacred journeys and the quest for riches. Henry Treece reanimates many renowned figures of the period---Charlemagne, Haroun-al-Raschid, Peter the Hermit, Richard the Lion-Heart, Raymond of Toulouse, Bohemond, Saladin, Mourschid, Henry Dandolo, Frederick II, Louis the Oious and Genghis Khan---as well as providing an illuminating narrative of one of Christianity's darkest periods.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Medieval

256 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 1994

About the author

Henry Treece (1911-1966) was a British poet and writer, who also worked as a teacher and editor. He wrote a range of works but is mostly remembered as a writer of children's historical novels.

Reviews

[Alex Irwin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This Non-fiction book about the Crusades was a great recap on exactly what happened during this time. Treece did not skip out on any details of this era. This book would be great for anyone doing research on the Crusades, it's amazing for details. I would recommend this to anyone interested in learning about this era. I personally liked this book, although I found it to be a bit dull and boring as it seemed to drag on. The Holy Wars lasted for 200 years and this book grasped every detail of it. I enjoyed it and would highly recommend it to anyone interested in learning about this time.

[Thomas McGuan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really great read if you’re interested in the crusades. Very neutral approach too. I was worried after reading the intro, as the author goes into detail on his Christian faith and British heritage. But he really shows that no party involved in the crusades are hero’s. I also really enjoyed learning about the old man in the mountain. I guess there was a massive assassination organization that was even more powerful than countries, that thrived during the crusades. Definitely want to get into some of those books. And gotta add Saladin to my very short movie watching list. He was a famous Muslim leader during the crusades

[Tony Tubb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Treece's usual mix of historical accuracy and narrative prowess. That is, it is honest, fair and balanced, showing the real motivations of the crusaders and not the white-washed (no pun intended) version we usually get even in the better popular treatments of the subject.

[Frank · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this one about the Crusades back in the 70s

[Ana Oliveira · Rating 1 out of 5]

Steaming pile of biased garbage.

[Ian McHugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

A simple and, at times, archaic coverage of The Crusades. An enjoyable read with an interesting perspective.

[Jerry]

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[Keith Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Crusades are one of the most fascinating and bizarre events in the history of the world, and almost a thousand years later we are still feeling their impact. An understanding of the Crusades is crucial to any understanding of the relationship between the west and the Muslim world today.

[Julia]

Picked this up at a free book table and been reading it for a while. Now that I don't have it on my new Kindle how will I complete it! ;) I'm enjoying the history of it all and learning more about the time period. Good writing from a skilled author.

[George · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good short coverage of the crusades, but very dated written in 1965. Covers each crusades as well as a section regarding the affects of the crusades on Europe. Over all Europeans come off very badly regarding motives and actions.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very even-handed analysis of the Crusades that makes the Crusaders look rather bad and the Muslims puzzling and ambivalent, behavior-wise.

[Leo]

Pretty dry, but informative. Rather antiquated in its social perspectives, but that doesn't really bother me in nonfiction.

[Rock · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book and learning about the Crusades.
The writing is very good and comes close to be a page-turner.
An excellent intro to the Crusades.