Chevalier
9th January 2005, 12:36 PM
Sir Steven Runciman’s History of the Crusades is a masterpiece of historical writing. Don’t be put off by its three volumes – it reads so easily; or the fact that it is 50 years old now - this superbly written narrative has stood the test of time, and is constantly being reprinted.
The pages are full of fascinating characters such as Saladin, Richard the Lion Heart, Reynald of Chatillon, and the Emperor Frederick II (to name a few); as well political feuds and infighting; sieges, battles and (the inevitable) massacres.
Runciman is clearly appalled at the destruction that the crusaders brought to the culturally more advanced Muslim Middle East and Christian Byzantine Empire and sees the whole crusading movement as a “vast fiasco”.
With Ridley Scott’s film “Kingdom of Heaven” due for release later this year, there will doubtless be renewed interest in the Crusades. Runciman’s books should be a source of reference for those who wish to find out more (particularly volume two which forms the backdrop to the film).
The pages are full of fascinating characters such as Saladin, Richard the Lion Heart, Reynald of Chatillon, and the Emperor Frederick II (to name a few); as well political feuds and infighting; sieges, battles and (the inevitable) massacres.
Runciman is clearly appalled at the destruction that the crusaders brought to the culturally more advanced Muslim Middle East and Christian Byzantine Empire and sees the whole crusading movement as a “vast fiasco”.
With Ridley Scott’s film “Kingdom of Heaven” due for release later this year, there will doubtless be renewed interest in the Crusades. Runciman’s books should be a source of reference for those who wish to find out more (particularly volume two which forms the backdrop to the film).