58 pages • 1 hour read
The Crusades Through Arab Eyes
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Book Brief
293
Book • Nonfiction
Middle East • Medieval Era
1983
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Crusades Through Arab Eyes by Amin Maalouf recounts the history of the Crusades from the perspective of the Islamic world, covering events from the First Crusade in the late 1000s to the eventual expulsion of Crusaders from the Holy Land by the Mamluks. Drawing on Arab chroniclers to portray the multi-ethnic and religious dimensions of the conflict, Maalouf explores the political discord and alliances among Muslims and Crusaders, and how these historic events continue to influence contemporary global politics. The book contains references to war, violence, and cultural conflict.
Informative
Contemplative
Mysterious
Melancholic
Dark
Reviews & Readership
10,450 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Amin Maalouf's The Crusades Through Arab Eyes offers a compelling narrative, providing a fresh perspective on historical events often dominated by Western viewpoints. Readers praise its accessible prose and rich historical detail. However, some critique it for occasional bias and lack of academic rigor. Despite this, it remains a valuable resource for understanding the Crusades from an Arab perspective.
Who Should Read The Crusades Through Arab Eyes?
A reader with a keen interest in historical events from non-Western perspectives would enjoy The Crusades Through Arab Eyes by Amin Maalouf. Similar to Edward Said's Orientalism or William Dalrymple's From the Holy Mountain, this book appeals to those eager to explore diverse narratives and complexities of the Crusades era.
10,450 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Franj (Franks)
Franj (Franks)
Refers to the European Crusaders, predominantly French, who played a significant role in the Crusades. Although initially unified by religious fervor, their internal conflicts and diverse motivations shaped their endeavors in the East.
Saladin
Saladin
A Kurdish leader who united Egypt and Syria against the Crusaders and is noted for his capture of Jerusalem. He is portrayed as merciful and benevolent, yet his reign ultimately provoked new Crusader incursions while his death reignited regional conflicts.
293
Book • Nonfiction
Middle East • Medieval Era
1983
Adult
18+ years
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.