The Crusades: A History
by Jonathan Riley-Smith
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Book Summary Information
Author: Jonathan Riley-SmithEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2005-06-11
ISBN: 0300101287
Number of pages: 400
Publisher: Yale University Press
Book Reviews of The Crusades: A History
Book Review: Comprehensive but dull
Summary: 3 Stars
Jonathan Ridley-Smith's "The Crusades: A History" is a comprehensive but dull look at the history of the Crusades from the 11th century until the last vestiges of the crusading movement died in the 19th century. Smith is a pluralist - he covers all of the Crusades, including those in Spain, Italy, and the Baltic area. Although this history is comprehensive in its coverage, its dry writing made it a difficult read.
Smith fails to bring the Crusades to life in his narrative. I never felt that he showed how a small group of Europeans managed to gain a foothold in the Holy Land and hold it for so many generations, and he never really illustrated life in the Crusader states. Also, his writing presupposes a certain knowledge and understanding of medieval societies and the medieval Church. Many terms and concepts about the medieval world and church are not explained adequately - if at all - and this makes it difficult for the general reader to fully understand this work.
This book is comprehensive and apparently well-researched. It would probably serve as a good resource for someone already familiar with the time period or the Crusades, but it is a difficult read for a general reader.
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