58 pages 1 hour read

Amin Maalouf

The Crusades Through Arab Eyes

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1983

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Before You Read

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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.

Reviews & Readership

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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 this

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.

Recommended

Reading Age

18+years

Book Details

Themes

Society: Politics & Government

Society: War

Values/Ideas: Order & Chaos