Crusades Book Recommendations?

[Vogless]

Looking to start some reading about the Crusades.

Being relatively uniformed on the topic, I'd like to start with a good overview.

Any recommendations?

[Cubster]

The BBC book 'The Crusades', co-written by Alan Areira and Terry Jones of Monty Python fame, is certainly entertaining, accessible and a nice book aimed at the beginner. It isn't particularly detailed, does repeat a few popular 'myths' that aren't widely accepted any more, but for a first book I'd thoroughly recommend it.

If you finish that one and fancy something with a bit more meat (not to mention accuracy) then I wouldn't hesitate to recommend any of Thomas Asbridge's books.

[janner]

There are two very good works that have been published in the last couple of years from authors considered international names in this field:

Tom Asbridge's recent BBC2 documentary was basically the highlights of The Crusades: The War for the Holy Land, which is excellent for the First and Third Crusades.

The other (but slightly less accessible) option is Jonathan Phillips' Holy Warriors to compliment his stand alone monographs on the Second and Fourth Crusades.

David Nicolle's works under the Osprey banner are steady summaries of existing research, but don't expect anything new/original.

Regards,

Stephen

[carvel2]

Or.........a fantastic children's book published in 1948..
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Saracens-Head-Osbert-Lancaster/dp/1419152424
With ace pictures like this...

[Vogless]

Or.........a fantastic children's book published in 1948..
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Saracens-Head-Osbert-Lancaster/dp/1419152424
With ace pictures like this...

This DOES look about my speed!

@Cubster and Janner: Thanks for the jump off point guys! You never fail to help!

[Parus Ater]

http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Crusades-Zo ... 951&sr=1-5

I've not read it myself but I've a copy in the house belonging to my brother who says it's excellent and he's got more history books than I've got Star Trek novels so he knows what he's on about.

[janner]

Yes, it was certainly a great history of the Crusades in its day, much like Steven Runciman's multi-volumed history.

[Invisible officer]

If you search for a realy good modern study I would name Christopher Tyerman: God's war. A new history of the crusades. Penguin Classics 2007 Just 1024 pages But it's great.

For the gamer Ian Heath Armies and Enemies of the Crusades 1096-1291, Wargames research Group 1978 is still a very good book to start into the crusades military history.

[paulsmodellingworkshop]

Yes definitely the Ian Heath one - if you can still get it.

Also, 'A complete illustrated history of the crusades and the crusader knights' (and.... breathe is not too bad for an over view. HH publishing 256 pages. Charles Philips and Dr Craig Taylor. It covers all the crusades (inc baltic/lithuania) up to 1570.

[RoughRider]

A little late to this thread, but I enjoyed The dream and The tomb; engaging writing style, a good introduction:
http://www.amazon.com/The-Dream-Tomb-Hi ... 0815410867