The Crusades Through Arab Eyes (Saqi Essentials) |
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Pages: 293 (Paperback) Editor: Amin Maalouf ISBN: 0863560237 Pub: Saqi Books Pub date: 2001-02-17 Amazon.co.uk Sales Rank: 11860 |
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Reader Reviews:
Not the best account! (1/1 people found this helpful)
I have to disagree with the other reviewers. The idea of the book is a very good one. We're used to reading about the crusades from the western perspective. Even the most objective account will tend to examine the motivations/ideas of the crusaders rather than the Arabs. So Ma'alouf's book is needed. However, it is, academically speaking, a bit slim. In my opinion this book is NOT well researched; however, even though it does so poorly, it touches on an understudied side of the crusades.
To use a rather odd analogy: if this was a movie I'd tell you to watch it on a plane or on TV but not to buy it!
Well researched, Acessible, Intriguing (0/0 people found this helpful)
I'm not much of a history buff. but this book is written in a clear accessible style. Events are detailed and accurate, and the journey through time is eyeopening. Well written, read this book!
Highly readable, informative and balanced (3/5 people found this helpful)
I love this book. It gives a brilliant insight into the Middle East during the time of the Crusades, and provides an invaluable context for its current affairs.
A view from the East (16/20 people found this helpful)
This is a wonderful, insightful book that should be required reading for anyone trying to understand the ongoing clashes between the (mainly) Christian West and the (mainly) Christian Middle East. Amin Maalouf is both and insider and outsider in both cultures - born in Lebannon, living in France and not a Muslim but a Coptic. He helps us westerners to realise that the fantasy we have of the Crusades, all Robin Hood and King John, looks different if you were on the receiving end. Through Arab eyes it is the story of invasion by uncivilised Barbarian, religious fanatics - tolerated by corrupt regimes and eventually driven away by bold warriors. A different way of looking at history, with many lessons for today. Oh, and wonderfully, warmly written like all of his books.
The crusades through arab eyes (14/20 people found this helpful)
Attacked by Mongols - the Tartars - in the east and by Franj the Europeans - in the west, the Muslims had never been in such a critical position. God alone could still rescue them.
The book takes you back in time repeating these events from the arab point of view - the slaughters they witnessed, the destruction and uprooting of their lands, etc.
A great read for anyone and everyone no matter whether you're into history or not.
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Categories
Amazon.co.uk places this book into the following categories:
Books -> Subjects -> History -> Europe -> Vikings, Dark Ages, Medieval Europe 501-1500
Books -> Subjects -> History -> Europe -> The Crusades
Books -> Subjects -> History -> Europe -> Spain
Books -> Subjects -> History -> Religious History -> Islam
Books -> Subjects -> History -> General
Books -> Refinements -> Language (feature_browse-bin) -> English
Books -> Refinements -> Age (feature_two_browse-bin)
Books -> Refinements -> Format (binding_browse-bin) -> Paperback