The Crusades Second Edition

The second edition of "The Crusades" has been extensively rewritten to take account of the latest research and new interpretations. Crusading was a central theme in early medieval European history and this book covers all the expeditions which took place between the First Crusade in 1096 and the final retreat from Palestine in 1291. Certain aspects are examined in detail: the Crusading dispensation; the influences that were brought to bear on the original idea of the Crusades throughout the Christian world; the effect the Crusades had on the history of the participating states. It also covers the entanglement of the Crusades in European politics (eg between Pope and Emperor and between the Kings of France and England); its role in moulding relations between Byzantium and Europe; and its misuse for an expansionist Italian Catalan trade policy. This account may be of interest to both undergraduates and the general reader.