The Crusades

The Authoritative History of the War for the Holy Land

By: Thomas Asbridge

Narrated by: Derek Perkins

The Crusades is an authoritative, accessible single-volume history of the brutal struggle for the Holy Land in the Middle Ages. Thomas Asbridge—a renowned historian who writes with “maximum vividness” (Joan Acocella, The New Yorker)—covers the years 1095 to 1291 in this big, ambitious, readable account of one of the most fascinating periods in history. From Richard the Lionheart to the mighty Saladin, from the emperors of Byzantium to the Knights Templar, Asbridge’s book is a magnificent epic of Holy War between the Christian and Islamic worlds, full of adventure, intrigue, and sweeping grandeur.

amazing

Truly great and very detailed. Highly recommend for anyone interested in crusade history to listen to this.

A two sided history

I am inherently interested in almost all aspects of religion, especially in the past. As an English speaking American, I have heard much of the Crusader side of this story, but little to none about the Muslim side. This is essentially a 50/50 telling and I couldn't pick up on any percieved bias. by far the best Crusade history I've ever "read".

I've listened to many Adrian Goldworthy books, Derek Perkins is great.

Tremendous

I think the subtitle is well deserved "The Authoritative History...". This was truly one of the best history books I have ever read. The author is expert in his knowledge of the Crusades and lays out each crusade with superb detail. It is history but reads like a story or novel. The narrator is excellent. He reads without effort and his sentences flow through the story. I not only enjoyed the experience, but feel I received a class A education on the subject. Well Done!

A Good Overview, But Lacking

The author does a good job enumerating the various battles in and around Israel. The author associates the motives of the Christians and Muslims with religion. However, when the concept of Hebrews in Israel comes up, the author don't appear to know the religious history. In short, God promised Abraham a section of land. Muslims consider Abraham as their father. Hebrews consider Abraham as their father, and Christians understand the importance of Abraham. However, those with a hereditary claim to the Holy Land are the Hebrews. So, the whole battle between Muslims and Christians is stupid since neither group has a spiritual claim to the land. It would have been a nice cap to this book to point that out.

A Healthy Review of the Crusades As Both Sides Have Blood on their Hands

This a fair review of the Crusades as Both Sides are Guilty of Religious Zealousness

enthralling

Amazingly effective storytelling, excellent analysis and lively characters. The narrator manages to maintain the suspense throughout, even when he is giving accurate, scholarly details of battle formation and dynamics. The reading is absolutely superb; gripping, precise, elegant. I highly recommend it.

Mesmerizing! Extraordinary! Riveting!

A truly remarkable account of a titanic clash of civilizations that will take your breath away!

excellent

whether Christian, Muslim, French,Turkish or whatever, we all can learn so much from this phenomenally told story.

Wonderful

A very well presented history of the past with very insightful meaning. I would recommend this to any history lover.

Epic review and analysis

Very detailed history of the crusades, it kept me captivated. Analysis against modern time enlightening.