The Cross and the Crescent: A History of the Crusades

by Malcolm Billings

Examines the motivation behind the Crusades, describes the experiences of Crusaders, and assesses the impact of the Crusades on history

Genres: History, Medieval History, Nonfiction, Christian

240 pages, Paperback

Published December 31, 1899

Reviews

[Jack · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been a good year of reading. What a way to finish it off with, the Crusades. One of the darkest moments of history is one of my favorites. I enjoyed the quick history, but the inclusion of the many pictures of places and objects of Crusader history. I found it fascinating to read and see the many places discussed throughout the book. Obviously the author has spent a lifetime learning and researching the topic. I hope you find this one as enjoyable as I did.

[RB · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a thorough text on the subject of the 700 years of Crusading. The description is encompassing and one feels that they are reading a college textbook. I feel like some credits should be earned for the completion of this reading. Aside from gaining an understanding of the history of the western world and East-West relations, some side takeaways are available for the view of slavery in the history of the world and glimpses of Christian-Muslim relations. Some of these are negative to horrible, but others are surprisingly warm and merciful.

[Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good overview of the crusading movement for the lay reader. I especially liked the attention to the Crusader states in the Eastern Mediterranean, and how relations between the various European powers and different Muslim states were intricate and complex, not just black or white.