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  1. #1

    Default Books on the Crusades and medieval France

    Yes, I know there are quite a few listed in the pinned books thread but I'm not sure any of the books are what I am looking for.

    I'm searching rather casually for a good book or two; I got a bit curious and feel like stretching out a bit in my reading. I've got vague knowledge of both the Crusades and of medieval France, but I'd like to learn a bit more.

    On the crusades: I want something readable, detailed, accurate and fair to both sides. I want a general history right from the beginning of the Crusades to the end, a nice overview of the political situations both in the Holy Land and in the European homelands where appropriate. I want to know about the many various people involved, both military and more peaceable. A book with loads of handy maps. A book which covers everything from military aspects, armour, warrior training etc, to local economy, daily life, etc. Something about the assorted Crusader orders is obviously a must.

    On medieval France: Er .... think of much the same but as applicable to medieval France. I'm thinking 1000 - 1500AD.

    A tall order, but I've found no shortage of books covering all these things in one volume about Medieval England and Britain, so I think it reasonable to assume other, quite similar subjects have received this kind of treatment. If you have encountered any of the ‘Oxford (New) History of England’ books, or 'The Struggle for Mastery: The Penguin History of Britain 1066-1284', or 'The Feudal Kingdom of England 1041-1216' or similar books then you know exactly what I am looking for.

    I'm not a linguistic frog; any books have to be in English. That probably rules out the best histories of France for a start.

    Thanks
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  2. #2
    One Knight Stand Member Spartakus's Avatar
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    Thumbs up Re: Books on the Crusades and medieval France

    Guess I can help out with the crusading books, having read a few myself.

    For a general overview focusing on politics and crusading ideology, check out the books of Jonathan Riley-Smith. He's one of the latest crusade historians, and has already published numerous books. I won't list all of them here, but I can mention the ones I've read; namely The First Crusaders 1095-1131 and The Crusades: A Short History (which isn't short at all). Riley-Smith's quite the scholar, which can be both good and bad depending on what you're looking for. There's an abundance of information in his books, but the writing can tend towards dryness at times, typically academic, the kind of book you'd read taking history classes at an university.

    If you want the military aspects, try John France, especially his
    Victory in the East: A Military History of the First Crusade. If you rather fancy a great and epic tale, the crusades trilogy of Steven Runciman is among the best ones out there.

    I would also recommend The Crusades Through Arab Eyes by Amin Maalouf. As the title implies, it's quite biased, but the writing's great.
    Quidquid latine dictum sit, altum viditur.

  3. #3
    Mad Professor Senior Member Hurin_Rules's Avatar
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    Default Re: Books on the Crusades and medieval France

    I think you want to avoid Riley-Smith's First Crusaders if you're looking for a general overview-- it really focuses just on the FC and the reasons why people went. But otherwise, yes, his history of the crusades is one of the basic texts.

    Runciman also gives more of the Byzantine perspective, so read him for that.

    The Oxford illustrated history of the crusades is also quite good-- a collection of articles by leading historians on many different aspects of the Crusade.
    "I love this fellow God. He's so deliciously evil." --Stuart Griffin

  4. #4

    Default Re: Books on the Crusades and medieval France

    There's an 'Oxford Illustrated...' for the Crusades? Mmm, sounds like a good buy; books in that series usually are. Looking it up Riley-Smith was involved, so that takes care of two recommendations in one go. Neat!

    'The Crusades Through Arab Eyes' is a name I have heard frequently; I'll pick that one up sometime soonish I think.

    Runciman did a trilogy covering the entire Crusading era, if Amazon is right. He sounds good for the politics, names, battles etc. I also remember hearing about him while at university ... supposed to be good.

    So, unless any other burning wonder books are put forth I'll accumulate that little set.

    Thanks.

    That just leaves France.
    Last edited by frogbeastegg; 03-07-2005 at 20:38. Reason: typo
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  5. #5
    Hope guides me Senior Member Hosakawa Tito's Avatar
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    Default Re: Books on the Crusades and medieval France

    Here's an entertaining history novel, Deus lo Volt by Evan S. Connell. It covers the first Crusade, the title is the rally cry for the Crusaders "God Wills It". http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...X0DER&st=books
    Last edited by Hosakawa Tito; 03-08-2005 at 00:04. Reason: add link
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    Mad Professor Senior Member Hurin_Rules's Avatar
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    Default Re: Books on the Crusades and medieval France

    Hey Froggy,

    Regarding France, you might want to check out France in the Central Middle Ages, 900 - 1200, edited by Marcus Bull (Short Oxford history of France series), 2002.
    "I love this fellow God. He's so deliciously evil." --Stuart Griffin

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