The Crusades: A Short History by Jonathan Riley-Smith – Paperback, September 10, 1990
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$9.96
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Few periods in world history continue to fascinate and provoke debate as much as the Crusades. In The Crusades: A Short History, distinguished historian Jonathan Riley-Smith—one of the foremost authorities on the subject—offers a masterful and accessible introduction to these momentous events that shaped the medieval world and left a lasting legacy on East–West relations.
Spanning from the late 11th century through the 18th century, this work provides a sweeping yet concise narrative of the crusading movement. Riley-Smith explores not only the battles and expeditions to the Holy Land, but also the broader cultural, political, and theological forces that sustained the phenomenon for centuries.
At the heart of the book lies an exploration of the origins of the Crusades: the role of the papacy, the development of the concept of holy war, and the spiritual nature of the crusade vow that inspired thousands to leave home and take up the cross. Riley-Smith also examines the practical realities of crusading life—the organization of expeditions, the experience of ordinary participants, and the complex interactions between European and Middle Eastern powers.
This history is not limited to military campaigns. It considers the Crusades as a religious, social, and political movement, shaped by shifting motivations that included faith, penance, ambition, and the quest for status. Riley-Smith places the Crusades firmly within their medieval context, while also inviting readers to reflect on their enduring significance in shaping Christian–Muslim relations and European identity.
Written with clarity and authority, The Crusades: A Short History has become a standard text for students, scholars, and general readers alike, praised for balancing scholarly depth with accessibility. Drawing on the most current research of its time, Riley-Smith also offers thoughtful interpretations and tentative answers to long-debated questions, ensuring the book’s continued relevance in both academic and public discussions of the Crusades.
Whether you are new to the subject or seeking a reliable synthesis from one of the world’s leading historians of the Crusades, this volume provides both a comprehensive overview and a thought-provoking analysis of one of history’s most defining episodes.
Product details
Has a light crease and a tiny chip at the top edge of the spine. Otherwise, in very good condition, pages are intact, clean, and bright. The binding is tight and the cover unbent.
Ancient Civilizations, European History
The Crusades: A Short History by Jonathan Riley-Smith – Paperback, September 10, 1990
$9.96
Sale price
$9.96
Regular price
Spanning from the late 11th century through the 18th century, this work provides a sweeping yet concise narrative of the crusading movement. Riley-Smith explores not only the battles and expeditions to the Holy Land, but also the broader cultural, political, and theological forces that sustained the phenomenon for centuries.
At the heart of the book lies an exploration of the origins of the Crusades: the role of the papacy, the development of the concept of holy war, and the spiritual nature of the crusade vow that inspired thousands to leave home and take up the cross. Riley-Smith also examines the practical realities of crusading life—the organization of expeditions, the experience of ordinary participants, and the complex interactions between European and Middle Eastern powers.
This history is not limited to military campaigns. It considers the Crusades as a religious, social, and political movement, shaped by shifting motivations that included faith, penance, ambition, and the quest for status. Riley-Smith places the Crusades firmly within their medieval context, while also inviting readers to reflect on their enduring significance in shaping Christian–Muslim relations and European identity.
Written with clarity and authority, The Crusades: A Short History has become a standard text for students, scholars, and general readers alike, praised for balancing scholarly depth with accessibility. Drawing on the most current research of its time, Riley-Smith also offers thoughtful interpretations and tentative answers to long-debated questions, ensuring the book’s continued relevance in both academic and public discussions of the Crusades.
Whether you are new to the subject or seeking a reliable synthesis from one of the world’s leading historians of the Crusades, this volume provides both a comprehensive overview and a thought-provoking analysis of one of history’s most defining episodes.
Product details
- Publisher : Yale University Press
- Publication date : September 10, 1990
- Edition : Reprint
- Language : English
- Format: Paperback
- Print length : 306 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0300047002
- ISBN-13 : 978-0300047004
- Item Weight : 1.21 pounds
- Dimensions : 6.5 x 1.25 x 9.5 inches
- Condition: Used Very Good
Has a light crease and a tiny chip at the top edge of the spine. Otherwise, in very good condition, pages are intact, clean, and bright. The binding is tight and the cover unbent.
Ancient Civilizations, European History