BRASSEY'S BOOK OF THE CRUSADES. by Miller, David - 2001

Washington, D.C.: Brassey's, 2001. 128 pp, 11 1/4" H. "The crusades, of which there were several, conducted by many forcees from different nations, were ultimately unsuccessful, the last crusaders being forced out of the Holy Land in 1291. However, as this fascinating history shows, they did serve to advance many military concepts. Notable among these were the logistics involved in moving thousands of combined forces across frequently hostile regions; fortifications and siege warfare; and armour and weapons. There were heroes and villians, too - again on both sides - and examples of great generalship, military ineptitude, magnamity, and atrocity. The most notable leaders during these conflicts were Richard I, Lionheart, King of England, and the saracen commander, Saladin. While they never met, each had a justifiable respect for the other. This handsome volume encapsulates all the intriguing contrasts between the combatant forces, outlining the formation of the Christian Military Orders - such as the Knights Hospitallers - and the ferocious saracen armies. It describes the major weapons, such as siege machines, as well as personal arms and armour, and the important battles. Liberally illustrated with maps and diagrams, plus contemporary and other illustrations of the people, places and warfare, (this book) is a highly readable military history of a period and events that have an enduring fascination for military enthusiast and general reader alike." Minor edge wear. Dust jacket has some small areas of very light edge wrinkling.. First American Edition. Hard Cover. Very Good+/Very Good+.