What Were the Crusades? - Softcover

Riley-Smith, Jonathan

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0898709547 ISBN 13: 9780898709544

Publisher: Ignatius Press, 2002

Synopsis

Few attempts had been made to define 'the crusade' before this book was first published in 1977. Since then, a number of historians have built on Jonathan Riley-Smith's original conclusions. Now in its fourth edition, this classic starting point for the study of the crusading movement has been updated to take into account the latest developments in the field.

What Were the Crusades?

   

• elucidates key ideas and institutions which have been neglected in the past

   

• demonstrates, through the analysis of European campaigns, that the movement was not confined to expeditions launched to recover the Holy Land - or to defend the Christian presence there - and shows that it continued, in one form or another, into the eighteenth century and perhaps beyond

   

• draws attention to the increasing interest of historians in the motivation of crusaders

   

• now includes material on a child crusader and concludes with a short discussion of the current effects of aggressive Pan-Islamism

   

• features a new map illustrating the different theatres of war

         

  Original in its conception, this essential guide is a contribution of major importance to crusading scholarship. In its clear and concise treatment of the issues, it remains an unequalled introduction to the subject for students and general readers alike.

     

About this title

Book Description:

Riley-Smith's acclaimed book is now regarded as a classic short study. The updated fourth edition of this essential introduction features a new Preface which surveys and reviews developments in crusading scholarship, a new map, material on a child crusader, and a short discussion of the current effects of aggressive Pan-Islamism.

About the Author:

JONATHAN RILEY-SMITH is Dixie Professor of Ecclesiastical History at the University of Cambridge and a Fellow of Emmanuel College, Cambridge.

About this edition

• Publisher: Ignatius Press
• Publication date: 2002
• ISBN 10: 0898709547
• ISBN 13: 9780898709544
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 128