Medieval Crusades

The World History series examines the eras, events, civilizations, and movements that have shaped human history, providing readers with insight into the past and its many legacies. Vivid writing, full-color photographs and extensive use of fully cited primary and secondary source quotations provide a sense of immediacy. Sidebars, time lines, indexes, and annotated bibliographies, which appear in every volume, offer a wealth of additional information as well as provide launching points for further discussion and study.

The World History series examines the eras, events, civilizations, and movements that have shaped human history, providing readers with insight into the past and its many legacies. Vivid writing, full-color photographs and extensive use of fully cited primary and secondary source quotations provide a sense of immediacy. Sidebars, time lines, indexes, and annotated bibliographies, which appear in every volume, offer a wealth of additional information as well as provide launching points for further discussion and study.

VOYA

Each slim volume in this series covers an historical event or period from various cultures and eras. The Medieval Crusades is heavily illustrated with color reproductions of paintings, mosaics, and tapestries depicting battle scenes, nobles being knighted, and Muslim and Christian leaders during the time of the Crusades (roughly the years 1095 to 1291). The book begins with an explanation of early Christendom and Islam and the schisms that existed within each religion. During the four major Crusades, frequent and complicated changes occurred regarding allegiances, strategies, and leadership. Both sides were motivated not only by religious belief, but also by desire for land, power, and prestige. The description of this era is balanced and fair. Leaders such as Saladin, Richard the Lion-Hearted, Zengi, and Friedrich Barbarossa rose and fell and died, and after 200 years of fighting, nothing had changed. The focus of the book falls on the long-term effects of the Crusades, creating European awareness of other countries and cultures that led to increased commerce and trade, which in turn led to the Age of Exploration and the Renaissance. According to the author, the Crusades' most significant impact was the creation of fear and distrust between Christians and Muslims, a legacy that continues today. The writing style of both books is clear, concise, and consistent. Sidebars offer additional information on interesting related topics. Handsome color illustrations are generously included and serve to break up blocks of text, thus enhancing readability. The concise histories in this series focus on the effects of each topic on ordinary people. Each volume includes a time line of important dates. Other titles include The Inquisition, Mayan Civilization, Vietnam War, Islamic Empire, and Transatlantic Slave Trade. The books are excellent sources for teachers and student researchers. Reviewer: Florence H. Munat