Arab Historians of the Crusades

Copertina anteriore
Francesco Gabrieli
University of California Press, 1984 - 362 pagine
The recapture of Jerusalem, the siege of the Acre, the fall of Tripoli, the effect in Baghdad of events in Syria; these and other happening were faithfully recorded by Arab historians during the two centuries of the Crusades. For the first time contemporary accounts of the fighting between Muslim and Christian have been translated into English, and the Western reader can learn 'the other side' of the Holy War.

Seventeen authors are represented in the extracts in this work, which have been drawn from various types of historical writings. The excerpts are taken firstly from the general histories of the Muslim world, then from chronicles of cities, regions and their dynasties, and finally from biographies or records of the deeds of certain persons. The Arab histories of the Crusades compare favorably with their Christian counterparts in their rich accumulation of material and chronological information. Another of their merits is their faithful characterization, which they practiced in the brief but illuminating sketches of enemy leaders: Baldwin II's shrewdness, Richard Coeur de Lion's prowess in war, the indomitable energy of Conrad of Motferrat, Frederick II's diplomacy. The chronicles are generous, naturally, with their praises of the great champions of the Muslim resistance, especially of Saladin, who towers above all the other leaders in heroic stature. Although, this book gives a sweeping and stimulating view of the Crusades seen through Arab eyes.

Dall'interno del libro

Sommario

I
3
The Franks take Maarrat anNumān
9
Bohemond is liberated and Baldwin defeated at Ramla
15
The fall of Tripoli
24
CONTENTS
25
The effects in Baghdad of the events in Syria
28
The defeat and death of Roger of Antioch at Balāt
36
Zangi man of destiny for Islām
42
The Franks march on Acre and besiege it
182
Saladin withdraws from the Franks who are able
190
The siegetowers are burnt down
198
The arrival of the Kings of France and England
212
Acre incapable of further resistance negotiates with
218
Peace negotiations and the treaty
225
The assassination of Conrad of Montferrat
238
Saladins illness and death
246

Zangi takes Edessa
49
The Second Crusade The siege of Damascus
56
Nur adDins victories and his triumph at Damascus
64
9
72
Orientalized Franks
78
Saladins character 87 9985
87
His justice
93
Examples of his generosity
96
His endurance and determination to win merit in Gods
102
His unfailing goodness
109
territory
118
Jerusalem reconquered
139
Conrad of Montferrat at Tyre Saladins fruitless siege
176
The Fifth Crusade
255
Other details of the Frankish surrender
264
Muslim grief in Damascus Frederick in Jerusalem
273
Two Arabic letters written by Frederick
280
PART FOUR
305
Negotiations with Hugh III King of Cyprus
312
An unsuccessful attack on Cyprus
319
The treaty with Acre
326
Formula of the Frankish oath
332
The fall of Maraqiyya
338
The fall of Acre
344
Index
351
Copyright

Altre edizioni - Visualizza tutto

Parole e frasi comuni

Informazioni bibliografiche