The Crusades: A Reader

Abstract

[In this book, the editors have] endeavored to provide documents that demonstrate the variety of the crusading experience, a diversity of perspectives, the interaction of eastern and western society, and the transformation of the crusading agenda over time.-Introd. "The crusades have always been a source of fascination and debate. With current world events, that interest has only grown as people try to understand the sources of conflict between the Middle East and Europe, and between Islamic and Christian peoples. This beautiful addition to the Readings in Medieval Civilizations and Cultures series brings together an unprecedented range of primary source texts on the topic from the medieval era. Of special note are the non-Christian materials--Muslim and Jewish sources--included along with standard European Christian texts. Also included are Greek sources, materials on Latin crusader states, and a chapter on Spain. Ideological, economic, social, and cultural issues are covered along with the more standard military and political concerns." -- Amazon.com Introduction -- Background and origins -- The First Crusade -- The Crusader states -- The Second and Third Crusades -- The culture and logistics of crusading -- The age of Innocent III -- Crusade of the Holy Roman Empire -- Conflict and coexistence in Spain -- Crusades at the crossroads -- From Crusades to colonization.