The Book of Saladin: A Novel

Amazon.com

Tariq Ali has been a British national treasure for almost five decades. Revolutionary, writer, broadcaster, filmmaker, polemicist--fighter in the street--and general all-round trouble-maker (in the nicest possible sense), he's been them all, and usually at the same time. Since 1990 Ali has also worked in fiction, firstly with Redemption, and now with a planned quartet of historical novels, of which The Book of Saladin is the second. (The first was the award-winning Shadows of the Pomegranate Tree.)

Ali's passion for life, and his humor, are found all over this latest work, which is set in the 12th century--with eerily prescient echoes of modern times. It shows us the conflict between Christian and Islamic civilizations set to a sometimes bawdy, sometimes brutal background where all of life is in flux. As in his previous novel, Ali shows the depth and breadth of his learning and humanity on every page. Like his central character, Saladin, or Salah-al-Din (the Kurdish liberator of Jerusalem), he has been a fighter of many causes, a maker of alliances, who has made an impact on the world around him. Unlike his hero, Tariq Ali has never been a Sultan, or a warrior, except a class one, of course. But between them--Ali and his warrior king--readers can discover much of both history and contemporary life in the melting pot of world religion. --Robin Hunt, Amazon.co.uk

Book Description

Tariq Ali's latest novel is a rich and teeming chronicle set in twelfth-century Cairo, Damascus and Jerusalem. "The Book of Saladin" is the fictional memoir of Saladin, the Kurdish liberator of Jerusalem, as dictated to a Jewish scribe, Ibn Yakub. Saladin grants Ibn Yakub permission to talk to his wife and retainers so that he might present a full portrait in the Sultan's memoirs. A series of interconnected stories follows, tales brimming over with warmth, earthy humor and passions in which ideals clash with realities and dreams are confounded by desires. At the heart of the novel is an affecting love affair between the Sultan's favored wife, Jamila, and the beautiful Halina, a later addition to the harem. The novel charts the rise of Saladin as Sultan of Egypt and Syria and follows him as he prepares, in alliance with his Jewish and Christian subjects, to take Jerusalem back from the Crusaders. This is a medieval story, but much of it will be uncannily familiar to those who follow events in contemporary Cairo, Damascus, and Baghdad. Betrayed hopes, disillusioned soldiers and unrealistic alliances form the backdrop to "The Book of Saladin."

Customer Reviews:

Very well written.......2007-06-13

A fascinating and well told tale of the Muslim ruler Saladin who recaptured the city of Jeruselum from the Christians, a feat he accomplished by bringing together, or crushing, the various Arab tribes that hated and mistrusted each other more than the enemy that had invaded their lands. A great insight into a person of power, savvy,strength and faith in a time and place of great interest and dynmaics.

A must read for anyone interested in the stories of this epoch.

Riveting Reading.......2006-11-10

Tariq Ali is a gifted author and makes for a colorful tale - in fact I have the trilogy. A must read !

Astra Z

Salah al-Din : a life.......2006-08-21

A beautifully written novel: Tariq Ali gives us a fictionalised reconstruction of the life of Salah al-Din (Saladin), who regained Jerusalem in 1187.

The novel will be best enjoyed if readers can suspend any negative personal views and perceptions of the life and times of Salah al-Din and read this as fiction in an historical setting.

The language enables the reader to participate as an observer in events of the time and to appreciate the events from a different perspective. The major characters are well drawn, and much of the reasoning seems entirely plausible.

After reading this novel, I found I wanted to know more about the life and times of Salah al-Din.

All of the books of the Islam Quintet are worth reading: this novel stands out because many of us have some knowledge (or think we do) of the events depicted in the novel.

Highly recommended.

Jennifer Cameron-Smith

A Superb Piece of Work.......2005-09-04

Tariq Ali's "The Book of Saladin" is the second in his "quintet" about Islam. Don't let that put you off, though, as there is no set order to read the series in - no characters carry over from one book to the next and the continuity throughout is in fact the relationship between Islam and other religions during times of upheaval.

As the name suggests, "The Book of Saladin" is about that famous adversary of the Crusaders, the Kurdish Yusuf Salah-ad-din Ibn Ayyub who founded the Ayyubid dynasty of Egypt. The basis of this novel is that Saladin has hired a Jewish writer to record his life and times as he leads the battle to re-take Jerusalem from the "Franj" (Crusaders, one of the many Arabic words used in the book and explained in the glossary).
The reader is therefore treated to a series of stories-within-stories, and knowing Ali's sense of humour (he is an electric public speaker) the parallel to the "Arabian Nights" is probably more than a fortuitous coincidence. Our narrator leads his own life over the years of his acquaintance with Saladin, along with its attendant highs and lows while recording Saladin's memories and hearing stories from his loyal retainers and members of his harem. All of these strands combine and separate in various ways to create a narrative experience quite hard to describe in words.
While the novel ends on a somewhat pessimistic note, this is probably only to be expected, as this was hardly a glorious time for either side involved in the conflict.

While certain characters - particularly Maimonides, who makes a cameo appearance - suffer from being relatively two-dimensional, the central characters are all eminently believable. In the case of Saladin, this is quite a feat as the volume of ink devoted to him over the centuries is quite spectacular and separating the man from the myth is a difficult task. The reader will almost certainly find themselves cheering when the Sultan wins a victory, whether on the battlefield or in the court chambers.

Ali's eye for detail is also deployed to great effect here. Ayyubid Cairo is evoked lovingly, as are the other locations which play important roles in the plot. Similarly, while the court intrigues of the time are confusing at best, Ali makes a noble attempt at simplifying things for the casual reader without an interest in the politics of the time. The frequent use of Arabic terms for events and places can be disconcerting to the reader with no background in the history of the region, however the glossary will help to overcome that - and the terms become easy to understand soon enough.
His sense of humour, too, plays an important part in this novel. Ali has a particular fondness for what can sometimes be described as "dirty jokes", as his description of Richard I of England clearly demonstrates. His dialogue between a heretical (Cathar, I believe) crusader and Saladin is hilarious, even to the extent of offensive comments being made in perfect Latin.

In short, this is a book which can be heartily recommended. For newcomers to Ali's writings, this is as good a place to start as any - possibly better than some other offerings, at that. This is also a great demonstration of "how the other half lives", in that the humanity of the "saracens" during the crusades is often overlooked. Knowledge of that humanity is, in my opinion, something we need now more than ever.

A good sleep aid.......2003-01-14

It took me a long time to read this book, as I kept falling asleep after a few pages. Despite the dramatic historical events, the narrative itself is quite flat. The author tries to counteract this with a liberal sprinkling of sexual exploits...many of them homosexual. This recurring theme became as tedious as the rest of the narrative. I found myself losing track of characters and having to constantly search for earlier references to try to figure out who they were. Perhaps the rather pedantic writing of the narrator was a deliberate literary device. The book has a lot of archaic-sounding phrases and reads like it was translated from another language...all of which was probably intentional. Deficiencies of style, plot construction, and focus have been noted by other reviewers. For some people, the political merit seems to outweigh the literary failings, but this wasn't the case for me.

Average customer rating:

The Crusade which Preceded the 'War on Terror'
beautiful book, but anti-Christian
Great Book For Kids
Why the name "Good King Richard" is an oxymoron
Great Book

Saladin: Noble Prince of Islam

Manufacturer: HarperCollins
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0688171354
Release Date: 2002-08-06

Book Description

Forty years before the boy was born, a horde of bloodthirsty barbarians thundered out of the west and conquered his native land. They had succeeded because his people, ever at war with one another, had not fought together to defend their cities. In time the boy was destined to become the very leader that was needed, a man with the courage and vision to unite his people and face the most fearsome and brilliant warrior of the age.

The time was the twelfth century; the barbarian horde was the armies of the First Crusade; the great warrior was Richard the Lionhearted; and the leader was Saladin. This is more than the other side of a familiar Western story, the Crusades. It is the tale of an extraordinary man, remarkable for his generous and chivalrous ways, a warrior who longed for peace. Courageous in battle and merciful in victory, he would be revered even by his enemies as the "marvel of his time."

In her vibrant narrative and magnificently detailed illustrations inspired by the Islamic art of the time, Diane Stanley presents a hero whose compassion, piety, tolerance, and wisdom made him a model for his time -- and for ours.

Customer Reviews:

The Crusade which Preceded the 'War on Terror'.......2006-10-09

Many people have seen the excellent PBS documentary, "Holy Warriors", about Saladin and Richard the Lionheart in the Third Crusade. For me it opened up a whole new field of inquiry, for although I am myself an historian, my field is not the Middle Ages. I sought out and read many books on Saladin, and found him a fascinating and admirable character, and an excellent antidote to the hatred of Islam which is presently being fomented by our government. It seemed to me that it was important to get the word out-- especially to the next generation-- about this Muslim whose character was so contrary to prevalent stereotypes. Diane Stanley's book fulfills this need. It presents the true history of Saladin and the Third Crusade in a manner which is readily understandable to children and accompanied by beautiful illustrations. It seems unlikely that any child who has read this book will grow up feeling the hatred that our government wants us to feel for all Muslims, and in that lies its greatest virtue.

beautiful book, but anti-Christian.......2005-11-04

This book caught my eye at the library because it has beautiful illustrations, and the title obviously gives away its very positive view of Saladin and the Muslim faith. Given the publication date, it is not surprising that the book presents Muslims and their faith in a positive light; however, the book goes to the extreme in presenting Muslims as good and Christians as evil. Children in this age group are likely to be confused by this portrayal of their faith if they are Christians, while those of a Muslim background could very well see the current atrocities committed by Islamic jihadists as justified. Moreover, children at this age don't have the analytical skills to realize that there is more to the history of the Crusades than is presented here. In my opinion, this book may well be an excellent biography of Saladin, but given the age of the intended audience, the slant of the book gives an inappropriate message.

Great Book For Kids.......2005-08-09

It's a great book, pretty good for kids. The book did overlook the fact that Saladin was also a physician and chemist (or alchemist as they used to be called back then).

Why the name "Good King Richard" is an oxymoron.......2004-09-20

When you look at the British involvement in that farcical escapade known as the Crusades, it seems remarkable that ANYONE living today could side with England. I mean, let's look at it soberly. They come into a country in the Middle East, take over huge swaths of it, claim it as their own, are shocked when the residents of the area don't like being oppressed, then set about hacking their way back in only to fail in the end. Just a scant overview of their actions is enough to make them look vaguely ridiculous. Once you start learning a little more about their actions (or rather, the actions of their leaders) you see just how violent and, not to put too fine a point on it, evil they were. Therefore, it's a bit surprising that a popular kid's book about Saladin hasn't been written before now. At this moment in time, circumstances have given kids a chance to learn more about the followers of Islam and their history. It seems fitting, then, that we should look at one of their greatest heroes and grant him the respect he's due. "Saladin: Noble Prince of Islam" does just that.

Saladin was born along the Tigris River well after Jerusalem fell into the hands of the marauding Crusaders from England. As a child, he attended to his studies well and learned the tenants of Islam by heart. All this gave him the understanding he required to be a good and righteous man amongst his people. As a teen Saladin became the chief aide of the Turkish sultan Nur al-Din, a fair leader who earned the respect of his subjects. From him Saladin found his role model and guide. After Nur al-Din's death, he staked his claim on the man's empire and brought together his warring brothers. This allowed him the army he needed to set out to defeat the Franks and to reclaim Jerusalem once more. To do this he faced Reginald of Chatillon, "perhaps the greatest villain in the history of the Crusade" (which is saying quite a lot), Richard the Lionhearted, and other adversaries. The book recounts a myriad of battles undertaken by both the Crusaders and the Muslims. Both sides had their wins and losses. In the end, however, Saladin was victorious and in 1291 (years after his death), "the Franks were driven out of the Holy Land altogether". So well done there.

Though it doesn't look it, this book is an excellent reference for any kid interested in battles and battle strategy. It summarizes the greatest confrontations of both sides and makes them understandable and interesting. There is also no question at any time as to who the heroes are. The Franks (to the Muslims all Crusaders were regarded as "Franks") break treaties, lie, kill for pleasure, and remain the greediest of no-goodniks. Saladin would often spare his captured enemies or give them a chance to pay a price to avoid being sold as slaves. King Richard, on the other hand, was prone to slaughtering three thousand Muslim men when he captured them. A cruel barbarian, he met a violent death, as was his due. Saladin died in his bed, having ended his life to his own liking. Touche.

I suspect that there are people out there who can't imagine a man like Saladin being far more generous and compassionate than a man like Richard. To back up her information, therefore, author Diane Stanley has included an excellent Bibliography for further reading. Terms that might not be readily recognizable to readers are included in a Glossary in the back. Accompanying the text itself are beautiful glossy illustrations that perfectly compliment the book's plot and storyline. All this and the book is respectful to the people of the Islam faith.

Biographies of historical figures well known in their native lands but little known in American schools are difficult to create. With that in mind, Stanley has done a remarkable job. She even ties in the events of the book to the modern day, commenting that, "Two hundred years of Frankish invasion, senseless slaughter, and religious fanaticism left a tragic legacy. A shadow of hatred and mistrust had fallen over this great land, holy to three faiths. A thousand years later, it is still there". And not likely to leave soon. Let us hope then that beautifully written biographies like "Saladin" dispel the myths that remain about the man, his life, and his religion. This book should be in every school library in America.

Great Book.......2003-01-03

Great book, pretty good for kids. The book did overlook the fact that Saladin was also a physician and chemist (or alchemist as they used to be called back then). But over all a very good book.

The Third Crusade 1191: Richard the Lionheart, Saladin and the battle for Jerusalem (Campaign)

Average customer rating:

Good Overview
Offers Cultural Perspectives, but less on military side

The Third Crusade 1191: Richard the Lionheart, Saladin and the battle for Jerusalem (Campaign)
David Nicolle
Manufacturer: Osprey Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Acre 1291: Bloody sunset of the Crusader states (Campaign)
The First Crusade 1096-99: Conquest of the Holy Land (Campaign)
Hattin 1187: Saladin's greatest victory (Campaign)
Knight Templar 1120-1312 (Warrior)
Knight Hospitaller (1): 1100-1306 (Warrior)

ASIN: 1841768685
Release Date: 2005-11-10

Book Description

The clash between King Richard I ‘The Lionheart’ of England and Saladin has become legendary. Throughout the ages, military enthusiasts have been fascinated by the strategy of the resolute, heavily armed Anglo-Saxon army versus their more lightly armed opponents. Richard’s inability to recapture Jerusalem was disappointing, but it proved to the crusaders that Saladin was not invincible. This book describes the struggle that has evolved into a mythic campaign for the Holy City of Jerusalem, providing an in-depth look at the battle, the personalities involved and the tactics employed by each army.

Customer Reviews:

Good Overview.......2007-02-20

These small Osprey books on various historical events pack in a lot of information and present it in a very easy to understand language that the casual reader may find a good source for research.

David Nicolle is a good historical writer, speaking in plain English and keeping the reader interested. The material in this particular offering is well balanced. There are books that have focused on one side of the story, or the other. Nicolle very successfully attempts to keep both sides focused, discussing the pros and cons of each leader, giving each side to the story and a very well rounded look at the events.

However the book, because of its size, does not go into some of the finer details or "in depth" examination of events and situations that some might be looking for. To be honest, these books are not intended for that purpose. There are volumes out there that you can spend years going through. This book is meant as an overview of the topic and should be taken as such.

The battles do not go into as much detail as some of the other books put out by Osprey. The usual focus of these books is to look at a particular historical event or aspect and go into details. But in choosing a large historical event like The Third Crusade in such a small presentation, there will be a lot left out. The book focuses on a singular year, 1191, in which the whole Crusade came to a crashing close. While the lead up to this year is examined, the focus is more on the battles fought that year and how it brought about the end of that era. And even this is a lot to cover in such a small format.

Not to be left out are the graphics, photographs, maps and the artistic renderings of Christa Hook. These elements are included to keep the interest of the reader. There is a lot of photographs to go over, giving the reader an overview of the art, architecture landscape and battle fields of the time. Christa Hooks paintings give the book a feeling of action, and adds interest to the story.

The maps are valuable and in this book they have included what they label as "3D views" of the particular battlefields. While interesting, I didn't find it added anything to the overview of the battles. However, they are nice topographical additions to the book.

Going over this book, I would have to say this will appeal to the school aged reader who is looking to write a book report for school, or augment their studies of the Historical Crusades. It will even appeal to the casual reader who is curious, but not a serious student of the Crusades.

This is a good look at the cultures of the time, both the Crusaders as well as the forces of Saladin. Some of the key battles are examined. And it favors neither side. We are presented with a fair view of the events. A good overview and presentation of the material. medievalcrusadesbabe

Offers Cultural Perspectives, but less on military side.......2005-12-21

Dr. David Nicolle continues his survey of Medieval battles in Osprey Campaign #161, The Third Crusade 1191. Certainly the clash between two charismatic opponents - Saladin and Richard the Lionheart - make for an interesting subject and Nicolle handles it with admirable balance. However, Dr. Nicolle's primary interests lie in the cultural realm - particularly Islamic art and architecture - and readers seeking more detail on the military aspects of the campaign will find these matters covered in a more perfunctory manner. Furthermore, the graphic quality of this volume - the maps and the battle scenes - is somewhat less than in other Osprey volumes.

This volume includes five 2-D maps (the forces assemble, 1188-91; events in Cyprus, Syria and Palestine, 1188-91; the siege of Acre, 1191; the coastal march; and after Arsuf, 1191-92) and three 3-D BEV maps (initial movements on 7 September 1191; Richard's counterattack and later phases of the Battle of Arsuf). Unfortunately, the 2-D maps are far too complicated, with up to 36-37 events in several maps, and the 3-D maps are "zoomed out" too far to see any close-up detail of the Battle of Arsuf. A close up 2-D map showing the relative dispositions of each army would be more useful to the reader than maps that just show a bunch of blocks and arrows. Also, no individual units or formations are identified in the 3-D maps, unlike most Osprey volumes. The three battle scenes are: Richard's men tearing down the Duke Leopold's banner at Acre, the death of Ayaz al-Tawil and King Richard ordering the Crusader cavalry to halt at Arsuf. Frankly, these battle scenes are rather disappointing, being rather "primitive" and lacking in detail compared to the artwork that normally appears in this series.

Dr. Nicolle's introductory sections on opposing commanders, armies and plans are quite good, although readers unfamiliar with this era would be wise to read the earlier volume on the preceding Hattin campaign first. The only weakness in this material is the lack of any kind of order of battle or even the identification of any specific formations beyond generic nomenclature such as "the Damascus contingent." Surely some Crusader banners under Richard must have been identified? Although the main focus of the volume is on the struggle between Saladin and Richard Lionheart, Dr. Nicolle also makes interesting observations about Sunni-Shia power-sharing arrangements in the 12th Century and politics in the rump Crusader states. The author also provides brief background on the death of Barbarossa before moving on to the siege of Acre and the Battle of Arsuf.

Although Dr. Nicolle's narrative about the Battle of Arsuf is quite coherent, it is difficult to follow actions on the 3-D maps. Nor does the author pay enough attention to Crusader logistics - which other sources note as having a major impact on the campaign. Furthermore, the author does not mention relative strengths and losses at Arsuf, although other sources do include estimates. Arsuf took some of the luster off Saladin's reputation but the Crusaders were not strong enough to regain Jerusalem - although Nicolle suggests that it might have been in their reach. The volume ends with an excellent bibliography and notes on the battlefield today. It is obvious that Dr. Nicolle is well-versed in the cultural aspects of his subject, if not the specific military details.

Saladin: The Politics of the Holy War (Canto original series)

Average customer rating:

One of the best biographies of Saladin
Good solid work
Saladin or Richard?
Fantastically solid work undermined by shoddy publishing.
GOOD DETAILS BUT A FUZZY BIG PICTURE

Saladin: The Politics of the Holy War (Canto original series)
Malcolm C. Lyons , and D. E. P. Jackson
Manufacturer: Cambridge University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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The Damascus Chronicle of the Crusades: Extracted and Translated from the Chronicle of Ibn Al-Qalanisi
Saladin: All-Powerful Sultan and the Uniter of Islam
Crusading Warfare, 10971193 (Cambridge Studies in Medieval Life and Thought: New Series)
Arab Historians of the Crusades
Chronicle of the Third Crusade: The Itinerarium Peregrinorum Et Gesta Regis Ricardi (Crusade Texts in Translation, 3)

ASIN: 0521585627

Book Description

Saladin was one of the best-known figures of the Middle Ages. The West accepted him as a hero; Islam was indebted to him for the recovery of Jerusalem. In this book Lyons and Jackson make use of hitherto neglected Arabic sources, including unpublished manuscript material - notably the correspondence, both private and official, of Saladinâ€™s own court. Such letters contain fresh information on the battles and diplomatic campaigns that accompanied Saladinâ€™s efforts to be accepted by his contemporaries as their leader in the Holy War.

Customer Reviews:

One of the best biographies of Saladin.......2007-10-09

This is definitely not a book for someone who has just started learning about the Crusades: from the very first page it assumes the reader has a good knowledge about events, places and names; if you don't, you will miss a lot since the writers are not concerned about explaining who's who, in particular among the Franks. It's not a book for casual reading as well: I read it as serious studying, making notes, underlining important passages and occasionally re-reading a whole page just to make sure I got it right. This is a book for a reader who wants to learn the details that made Saladin one of the most preeminent figures in the history of the Crusades. Half of it describes his ability unifying Islam (basically, Egypt and Syria) by creating alliances or, when they failed, fighting other Muslim leaders with the final goal of defeating the Christians. The book's second half describes his campaigns against the Franks which ultimately led to the fall of Jerusalem and the conquest of most of Christian cities in the Holy Land. The authors, Lyons & Jackson, based their research on tens (if not hundreds) of letters written by Saladin himself and his contemporaries for a period over 40 years detailing the political game that made him a victorious leader. The authors also refer to the writings of the most important Western commentators of that time (William of Tyre, in particular), but this is definitely a book written from a Muslim perspective. The authors do a very good and impartial job pointing out Saladin's successes and failures through the Arab eyes and, when there's conflict between several sources, they express their own opinion based on a reasonable analysis of the facts. Saladin was unquestionably a great leader but as all leaders in History, he had his weaknesses, fears and moments of indecision. The book doesn't try to create a superhero but shows a man who had the ability to patiently gather tens of local Arab leaders with their own personal agendas, showing generosity when possible and ruthlessness when necessary. It is this quality that perhaps made several experts to consider Lyons & Jackson's work probably the best biography of him.

Good solid work.......2005-05-22

This is, to say the least, not a book for the lay person to pick for a casual read. The work is thorough and detailed, starting from beginning to end to how Saladin came into and held onto power.

I knew going into this biography that it would be difficult reading the Arabic names and places, so nothing new there. I must say that I was impressed with how the point of view remained with Saladin the whole time, using Arabic sources instead of western (other than William of Tyre), and didn't waiver when Saladin came into contact with Richard the Lionhearted and so on. All to often authors tend to naturally revert to the western point of view rather than understand Saladin for what he was, a Muslim, which helps us better understand who he was.

My only complaint would have to be the same as the other reviewer, that the maps were not included during the reading (it would have been great to have the map at the beginning of each chapter for the time being discussed) and a list of the whose who and their relation to Saladin. Lyons would mention an Arabic ruler and I couldn't place where he ruled and why he threatened Saladin because of how the names are so alien, which causes the western reader to not easily remember.

Other than those two things, I think this is a great read for the amateur as well as the professional historian, adding a valuable source of information, if not being the best, to what we know of Saladin. Push past the dry, scholarly feel of the book and you have a wealth of information.

Saladin or Richard?.......2001-06-12

In Malcomb Cameron Lyons and D.E.P. Jackson's "Saladin: Politics of the Holy War", the fact that Saladin was one of the greatest-known figures of the Middle Ages is proved very easily. This is true, various events proving it. An example of one was his attempt to unify the Muslims. In addition to that, he was a great military leader and at the same time a wonderful politician. The authors make great use of the many documents and letters collected of the Arabs. The sources are used very often and are quoted from. I think the Arabic sources were one of the greatest features of this book, even though they may have been confusing at times. Saladin is often compared with Richard the Lionhearted, an equally powerful ruler from the Christian lands. Was Saladin stronger than he was just because he held Jerusalem against him?

After the Turkish invasions, the Arabs were unorganized and didn't have a common goal or leader. Saladin unified them and was able to achieve a common goal, the Jihad, equivalent to a Christian Crusade. The goal was to gain control of Jerusalem. Jerusalem was important to them because it was their third holiest city, after Makkah and Medina. Saladin's leadership ability lies in the battlefield as in politics.

In order to restore order to the Muslims, Saladin had to be very persuasive. He used politics in order to swing people to his side and also to develop a stronger army. Saladin was able to conquer those that did not follow, a tactic that the Persian Empire also used.

One of the greatest features of this book was the various references to actual historical documents. One of my favorite ones was an excerpt from a letter that Saladin wrote to his father after witnessing his first battlefield, "This letter contains the first good news given to the master of the prey seized by his cub, who stood in his father's place and struck with his sword." (Page 250) This letter showed the significance of Saladin's first battle, he is coming to leadership. It is as if Saladin is now replacing his father, assuming a role of leadership.

It is inevitable that Saladin would be compared to Richard the Lionhearted of England, since he was Saladin's greatest opponent. Personally, I don't think that Saladin was as strong a ruler as Richard. Richard traveled to Jerusalem (maybe its only a rumor, but it is said that he only came within sight of the city); this is amazing because he was able to penetrate all of the defenses along the way. Saladin had a number of advantages: he had the element of surprise, he could ambush Saladin's troops as he wished among their journey; and Saladin was also fighting a home battle - he knew the land in which he was fighting and so he could take advantage of the locations for his troops to assemble (From reading about Saladin, had the situation been reversed with Richard defending against Saladin, I don't think that Saladin would be so successful). Saladin seemed to be more of a defender than an attacker.

One of the criticisms that I have of this book is reading. This book is more suitable for a senior in high school, rather than a freshman. I often found it very difficult to follow. The text seemed a little strange, there were many Arabic words and names and accent marks throughout almost every page of the book. This problem is very trivial when compared with the overall knowledge gained from reading in context. In summary, "Saladin: Politics of the Holy War" is a very tough read meant and for students who have enough time to read it in full context.

There wasn't enough politics of the Holy War, or Jihad. I don't think that the author spent time upon the wheeling and dealing that Saladin had to do in order to achieve unity in the Muslim army and assume a leadership position. Instead, there were too many details on every battle. Text could have been used explaining other points.

In conclusion, "Saladin: Politics of the Holy War" is a read only advised for skilled students who have the time as well as the determination to thoroughly read this book in context. Only at that point will he or she be able to fully understand the significance of Saladin's life as a military leader and politician.

Fantastically solid work undermined by shoddy publishing........2001-02-22

I picked up this book a while ago and only got around to reading it recently. It is an extremely serious piece of scholarship, well-researched and thoroughly documented; this is no glossed-over wannabe history treatise.

I could detail its strengths and weaknesses but I believe the previous reader has provided a fairly thorough analysis. It is no easy read and is made, in my opinion, made tortuously difficult by two unnecessary things: (1) The publisher's stubborn insistence on not providing comprehensible maps that illustrate the campaigns being discussed throughout the book and (2) the disregard of the difficulty that Arab names pose for most Western readers.

I hope first that there will be future editions of this book for it is a very worthy effort and, I think, probably the final say on the topic for years to come. Secondly, I hope those editions will be more user-friendly -- including clear maps (showing rivers, marshes, mountain ranges, deserts, combatant positions, itineraries, etc., etc.) throughout the chapters, providing an Appendix detailing who the different players are, family trees for the major players and, perhaps, more sprinklings through the text as to who people are.

GOOD DETAILS BUT A FUZZY BIG PICTURE.......2000-04-24

This is a somewhat difficult book to work through, one that at times adapts a very scholastic tone. As an Anglo-American I found all of the Arab placenames and surnames a bit challenging, but that was expected. So I am certainly not criticizing the book on that count; you should just be aware that if you don't have extensive previous knowledge of the Arab world, this book will demand more concentration and time of you than most biographies. Now three points of criticism: First, I would like to see more background information as to the history of the crusades, and how Jerusalem and other territories in the Holy Land came to be under European rule. Even a few paragraphs would have been appreciated. Second, the writing style is a bit dull. I don't expect prose worthy of Thomas Wolfe from a biographer, but in some sections I felt like I was reading a doctoral thesis. Third, Lyons and Jackson wait until the very end to comment at length on the qualities and motivations of Saladin, and on his importance in the grand scheme of things. I think that such commentary should be injected more than they are throughout the book, as critical events unfold. And then the final analysis should wrap up on themes already developed. The greatest strength of this book is that it is written truly from an Arab perspective. The European viewpoint is represented, but I always felt like I was observing from within Egypt, or Syria, or Palestine. I did not feel like an envoy from the Vatican - on the outside looking in. This is an accomplishment for the authors. What I found most interesting about Saladin's life was the paradox he faced: to consolidate power within the Arab world he needed the legitimacy of being a true believer, fighting the infidels in the holy war. However, to effectively fight the Europeans he needed soldiers from throughout the Arab world. So you see him in the book alternating his attention between his external battles and his internal ones. Lyons and Jackson do a good job in providing the details of these struggles - the dates, the places, the people, the numbers. But somehow they don't effectively convey the big picture; they don't explain the significance of the events as they unfold. The authors might argue that it is best for the reader to decipher that for his or herself. But I think the best historical books offer an opinion, with which the reader is then free to agree, or disagree.

Saladin: All-Powerful Sultan and the Uniter of Islam

Average customer rating:

A Great Biography
an excellent book
The life story of a truly unique leader

Saladin: All-Powerful Sultan and the Uniter of Islam
Stanley Lane-Poole
Manufacturer: Cooper Square Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Crusades Through Arab Eyes
Warriors of God: Richard the Lionheart and Saladin in the Third Crusade
The Book of Saladin: A Novel
Arab Historians of the Crusades
Saladin: Noble Prince of Islam

ASIN: 0815412347

Book Description

This compelling biography focuses on the ruler's sagacity and intelligence, and explains why Saladin was a man admired--even by his enemies.

Customer Reviews:

A Great Biography.......2007-03-16

Stanley Lane-Poole's biography of Saladin was published in 1898 but remains the best source of information about the sultan. The author has done his research consulting Christian and Muslim contemporary sources - some of which he quotes from - and conveys Saladin's life in beautiful prose. An excellent example is the following except concerning Crusader ambassadors given the unique privilege of seeing the Fatimid Caliph of Egypt.

"They were led by mysterious corridors and through guarded doors, where stalwart Sudanis saluted with naked swords. They reached a spacious court, open to the sky, and surrounded by arcades resting on marble pillars; the paneled ceilings were carved and inlaid in gold and colours; the pavement was rich mosaic. The unaccustomed eyes of the rude knights opened wide with wonder at the taste and refinement that met them at every step; - here they saw marble fountains, birds of many notes and wondrous plumage, strangers to the western world..."

Mr. Lane-Poole provides an invaluable look at the world of Saladin giving us the history of the Seljuk Turks and the First Crusade, and the life of Saladin is presented with no information lacking and with a critical eye for his subject. The struggle between Christians and Muslims is well presented and we are given completed accounts of the Third Crusade from both sides. The book is illustrated with many photographs, maps and drawings; it also includes a list of the principle contemporary historians of the period.
I wanted to know more about Saladin having seen the film Kingdom of Heaven, and this book was perfect.

an excellent book.......2006-03-10

I really enjoyed reading this book. It is a facsinating story of a great warrior who fought for his country. I can recommend this book to anyone interested in the histroty of the muslim world.

The life story of a truly unique leader.......2002-10-07

Written by the late British historian Stanley Lane-Pools (1854-1931), Saladin: All-powerful Sultan And The Uniter Of Islam is an informed and informative biography of the great warrior, statesman, and faithful believer in Islam, Salah ad-Din ibn Ayyub, more commonly known as Saladin (A.D. 1138-1193). From his early years in a Kurdish military family to the beginning of his military service at age fourteen, to his conquest of Jerusalem marked by an unprecedentedly humane treatment of the citizens within, to his belief and application of civilized justice, Saladin: All-powerful Sultan And The Uniter Of Islam is the life story of a truly unique leader who deservedly earned his legendary status both in the West as well as throughout Islam.

Warriors of God: Richard the Lionheart and Saladin in the Third Crusade

Average customer rating:

When the facts become questionable.
highly readable, but biased and light
Well written history
Warriors of God
Saladin VS. Richard

Warriors of God: Richard the Lionheart and Saladin in the Third Crusade
James Jr Reston
Manufacturer: Doubleday
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Dogs of God: Columbus, the Inquisition, and the Defeat of the Moors
The Last Apocalypse: Europe at the Year 1000 A.D.
Saladin: All-Powerful Sultan and the Uniter of Islam
Crusades Through Arab Eyes
The First Crusade: A New History: The Roots of Conflict between Christianity and Islam

ASIN: 0385495617
Release Date: 2001-05-15

Amazon.com

Throughout the medieval era, the Holy Land was a fiercely contested battlefield, fought over by huge Muslim and Christian armies, by zealots and assassins. The Third Crusade, spanning five years at the end of the 12th century, was, writes James Reston Jr. in this absorbing account, "Holy War at its most virulent," overseen by two great leaders, the Kurdish sultan Salah ad-Din, or Saladin, and the English king Richard, forevermore known as Lionheart.

Writing with a keen sense of historical detail and drama, Reston traces the complex path by which Saladin and Richard came to face each other on the field of battle. The Crusades, he observes, began "as a measure to redirect the energies of warring European barons from their bloody, local disputes into a 'noble' quest to reclaim the Holy Land from the 'infidel'." Of the five Crusades over 200 years, only the first was successful, to the extent that the Christian armies were able to conquer their objective of Jerusalem. The Third Crusade, as Reston ably shows, was complicated by fierce rivalries among the Christian leaders, by a chain of military disasters that led to the destruction of an invading German army and its emperor, and by the dedication of an opposing Islamic army that shared both a goal and a language.

Saladin, Reston writes, was a brilliant leader and a merciful victor, but capable of costly errors; Richard was extraordinarily skilled at combat, but his lack of resolve cost him many battles, and, ultimately, Jerusalem. Richard returned to Europe, Saladin to Damascus. Neither leader has long to live, and the peace they made would soon be broken. James Reston's splendid book does them both honor while examining a conflict that has never really ended. --Gregory McNamee

Book Description

The epic story of the battle for the Holy Land and the two larger-than-life figures at its center.

James Reston, Jr., the author of Galileo: A Life (called "masterful" and "brilliant" by the Washington Post) and the critically lauded The Last Apocalypse, a stunningly original portrait of the Christian world at the turn of first millennium, now re-creates the collision of the Christian holy wars and the Muslim jihad at the end of the twelfth century. A dual biography of the legendary Richard the Lionheart and the Sultan Saladin, iconic hero of the Islamic world, Warriors of God recounts the life of each man and reveals the passions of the times that brought them face-to-face in the final battle of the Third Crusade.

Richard the Lionheart, commonly depicted as the romantic personification of chivalry, here emerges in his full complexity and contradictions as Reston examines the dark side of Richard's role as the leader of the blood-soaked Crusades and breaks new ground by openly discussing Richard's homosexuality. Reston's compelling portrait of Saladin brings to life the wise, highly cultured leader who realized an enduring Arab dream by uniting Egypt and Syria and whose conquest of Jerusalem not only sparked the Third Crusade but ignited the first jihad and turned Saladin into a hero of epic proportions. In riveting descriptions, Reston captures the fascinating clash of the two armies as they battled their way to the outskirts of Jerusalem. There, Saladin's brilliant maneuvers and Richard's sudden failure of nerve turned the tide. Sweeping readers into a mesmerizing period of history, Warriors of God is a provocative look at two towering leaders and the not always noble causes for which they fought.

Customer Reviews:

When the facts become questionable........2007-10-09

I got a hold of this book to do some research for a story on Robin Hood that I am going to be writing to get some background information on the Third Crusades and on Richard himself. I thought this book was good until I got to the paragraph that concerned Robin Hood. If you've done your homework about Robin Hood, you would know that Robin Hood was described as a yeoman, not a disposed nobleman, and if you do your homework, most researchers on Robin Hood like to point out that the king mentioned in the Robin Hood tales is "our comely King Edward" with no defining number. That alone put the rest of the information in the book in question, if you ask me. There are some other things about the book I found questionable, but I will leave my review at that.

highly readable, but biased and light.......2007-05-18

The authors skill at the narrative style made this book a pleasure to read. While the writing style is the works greatest strength it is also its greatest weakness. By personalizing the third crusade in the actions of King Richard and Saladin the reader is drawn into the story. The book is not weighed down by the verbose language of a heavy academic work. Unfortunately the book lacks the intellectual weight to make up for its clean writing. At times I felt like I was reading a screenplay vice a historical work. The focus on dialogue and action at the expense of analysis caused the book to feel light and empty.

While it weaved a good tale, I felt like I was missing out on many of the details and nuances of the 3rd crusade. The author also seemed to have a distinct bias against the Christian forces. The Crusades always painted in a negative light, while the Islamic forces were brave and devout.

Well written history.......2007-03-02

James Reston is one of those rare historians who can also tell an extremely good story. He just sucks you into the life and times and has given me a fascination for the historical period in this book. I wish historians wrote this well all the time.

Warriors of God.......2007-01-11

While this is a historical analysis of activity surrounding the Third Crusade, it is very relevant to today. All readers will readily relate to the "War" in Iraq and other militant happenings in the Middle East. If political leaders become more sensitive to these historical events and their causes, we could achieve peace now.
James Reston presents so much in a very easily read tome. His style is for anyone from those of us with casual interest to scholars of the period.

Saladin VS. Richard.......2006-12-13

This was an interesting book on one of the most famous military campaigns in medieval history: the Third Crusade. Two leaders -- Richard, king of England, and Saladin, sultan of a united Egypt and Syria -- waged war up and down the coastline of the Holy Land, both towering over their armies and their subjects in legend and reputation. Chock full of good stories, this book kept me entertained during the time it took to read it.

Average customer rating:

Saladin: Hero of Islam is heavily researched yet accessible to lay readers

SALADIN: Hero of Islam
Geoffrey Hindley
Manufacturer: Pen and Sword
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Saladin: All-Powerful Sultan and the Uniter of Islam

ASIN: 1844154998

Book Description

The extraordinary character and career of Saladin are the keys to understanding the Battle of Hattin, the fall of Jerusalem and the failure of the Third Crusade. He united warring Muslim lands, reconquered the bulk of Crusader states and faced the Richard the Lion Heart, king of England, in one of the most famous confrontations in medieval warfare. Geoffrey Hindley's sympathetic and highly readable study of the life and times of this remarkable, many-sided man, who dominated the Middle East in his day, gives a fascinating insight into his achievements and into the Muslim world of his contemporaries.

Customer Reviews:

Saladin: Hero of Islam is heavily researched yet accessible to lay readers.......2007-08-05

Medieval historian Geoffrey Hindley presents Saladin: Hero of Islam. Originally published in 1976, Saladin: Hero of Islam is now in a new edition, which takes into account the latest scholarship on Saladin's career and also features an updated introduction. Chapters tell how Saladin achieved a swift rise to power through conquest, intrigue, and opportunism; Saladin's tremendous gifts as a battlefield commander and military organizer stemming from his singleness of purpose and virtually unique political skill; and perhaps most unusual for military leaders of his era, Saladin's qualities and ethics that earned him a reputation for chivalry and mercy. Saladin: Hero of Islam does not idolize Saladin, yet actively seeks to understand just why his reputation in the Christian as well as the Muslim world has endured to the present day. Featuring black-and-white plates, Saladin: Hero of Islam is heavily researched yet accessible to lay readers, and highly recommended for library collections and biographical reading lists.

The Life of Saladin: Saladin: or, What Befell Sultan Yusuf (Salah ed-Din, 1137-1193 A.D.)

Average customer rating:

The "Real" Saladin

The Life of Saladin: Saladin: or, What Befell Sultan Yusuf (Salah ed-Din, 1137-1193 A.D.)
Behâ Ed-Dîn
Manufacturer: Adamant Media Corporation
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Saladin: All-Powerful Sultan and the Uniter of Islam
The Life of Saladin: From the Works of 'Imad ad-Din and Baha' ad-Din DISTRIBUTION CANCELED (Saqi Essentials)

ASIN: 1402192460
Release Date: 2002-02-27

Book Description

This Elibron Classics book is a facsimile reprint of a 1897 edition by the Committee of the Palestine Exploration Fund, London.

Customer Reviews:

The "Real" Saladin.......2007-01-12

I've seen Saladin portrayed in movies and occasional news references about despots who have considered themselves on equal footing with Saladin, in their leadership skills. I wanted find out who was from a more scholarly sources. An Egyptologist recommended "The Life of Saladin: Saladin: or, What Befell Sultan Yusuf (Salah ed-Din, 1137-1193 A.D.) by Behâ Ed-Dîn." I assumed I was getting a more modern telling of Saladin's story. What I got was a clear view, abete from a Mid-eastern mindset, of a contemporary and confidant. Behâ Ed-Dîn lived with, walked with and observed Saladin for many years, writing down his observations along the way. Behâ Ed-Dîn's words are of a style and quality, which is no longer in usage. Behâ Ed-Dîn's archaic prose makes the book a bit difficult speed read. However, once you let yourself be carried back to the mid 1200's, you wouldn't have it any other way. Saladin was a very complex, brave, sometimes brutal and devout man. Clearly, Behâ Ed-Dîn more than a lion's of share of respect and admiration for him. This book allows the reader to understand Saladin, why he is revered and to see the west from an interesting and sometimes uncomfortable perspective. A perspective which holds true centuries later. Saladin was not a cartoonish character in a throw away potboiler, to be sure.

Average customer rating:

Saladin (Ancient World Leaders)
John Davenport
Manufacturer: Chelsea House Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0791072231

Lionhearts: Richard 1, Saladin, and the Era of the Third Crusade

Average customer rating:

Entertaining and accurate presentation of both sides of the conflict
Breathtaking.... a window on the past.
A fair study
Good Comparisons
FAR FROM THE DEFINITIVE STUDY

Lionhearts: Richard 1, Saladin, and the Era of the Third Crusade
Geoffrey Regan
Manufacturer: Walker & Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Warriors of God: Richard the Lionheart and Saladin in the Third Crusade
Saladin: All-Powerful Sultan and the Uniter of Islam
Crusades Through Arab Eyes
The Fourth Crusade and the Sack of Constantinople
The First Crusade: A New History: The Roots of Conflict between Christianity and Islam

ASIN: 0802713548

Amazon.com

When the Muslims captured Jerusalem in 1187, Christian rulers across Europe responded to the call. While they raised funds and mustered armies, priests preached that killing "infidels" was morally proper and that crusaders would be guaranteed a place in heaven. Lionhearts is the story of the Third Crusade (1189 to 1192), which sent thousands of men into a holy war. Geoffrey Regan details the day-to-day life of the common crusader--long sieges, marches through swamps, lost supplies, and occasional fierce battles--and the political squabbles between leaders sworn to fight together. Though Regan is a fine military historian, Lionhearts is, at its center, really a rose-colored dual biography of the Third Crusade's two main antagonists: Richard the Lionhearted and Saladin. Alternating chapters focus on each leader's rise to power, noting similarities between them. Regan is clearly enamored of his subjects, and spends a great deal of time enumerating their noble qualities. This is all well and good (and common in biography), but it's difficult to stomach Regan's description of Richard's massacre of 3,000 Muslim prisoners after the siege of Acre as an action "requiring the greatest moral courage."

Regan is a skillful writer, and his pages are peppered with vivid odds and ends: pious crusaders operating "God's own catapult"; Saladin sending a gift of snow and fruit to Richard I, preparing to besiege Acre; small rodents called jerboas leaping up and alarming the crusaders. With its maps, concise chronology, modern photographs, and handy list of the main personalities, Lionhearts is an excellent introduction to the history of the Third Crusade. --Sunny Delaney

Customer Reviews:

Entertaining and accurate presentation of both sides of the conflict.......2007-08-30

I always knew Saladin and Richard were "crusading" rivals, but I had never read an account of their dealings during the third crusade until I found this work in the library. The first few pages told me I was in for a treat, as the author presents timelines, a glossary of prominent crusaders, and a similar glossary of key muslim leaders. The best part of this book is how it takes us back to Richard's upbringing in France, Saladin's rise to power through Islamic splintered factions, and their eventual meeting (not literally) through the third crusade, which was instigated by Saladin's retaking of Jerusalem after almost a century of Christian rule.

Geoffrey Reagan does a fantastic job of detailing battles that lead up to the fall of Jersulam, such as the great Battle of Hattin, where I was excited to see details included about Balian of Ibelin, Guy of Lusignan, and others. The rich detail helped me understand and sympathize with both sides. I found myself rooting for the muslim army at stages as they faced not-so-Christian knights like Reginald of Chatillon, and sorrowing at the loss of so many brave Christian knights and footmen at Hattin.

If you're interested in a good "story-like" read about the era of the third crusade, or are in the least bit interested in the life of Richard or Saladin, you owe it to yourself to give this book a thorough read.

Breathtaking.... a window on the past........2003-03-03

Regan does a fantastic job of bringing the historical characters of the period to life. He is not biased to either side and does a good job of presenting the facts. Although he tries to enter into the minds of his subjects, his efforts enrich rather than detract from the narrative. Regan's talents as a writer are obvious. He thrusts the reader deep into the conflict and leaves him to suffer in suspense as each battle is fought out. I am an Egyptian reader and for once I have found a 'Western' book that ignores the fanaticism and shallowness of our deeply troubled age. I highly recommend the book to anyone interested in the crusades, medieval warfare or history in general.

A fair study.......2002-11-23

I thought this book did a great job of presenting both sides and giving a fair apraisal of the leaders, Richard I and Saladin, of each side in the Third Crusade. Whereas the author does not gloss over the faults of each man, niether does he downplay the strengths of each man. In short, this is a great comparative biography that provides both education and entertainment in an easily accessable format. the author has done a great job of bringing the subject matter to life.

Good Comparisons.......2002-10-03

This book gives a good overview of two of the most famous leaders in medieval history. It starts comparing them in many aspects like their childhood, how did they reach power and what they did with the power when they got it. It covers the great strategies that each used in battles. In a particular chapter you feel that the two leaders were playing chess with each other.
History readers might be more demanding from this book, but for somebody who is just interested in history and wants to know more about these two leaders, this book is more than satisfactory.

FAR FROM THE DEFINITIVE STUDY.......2002-09-19

Whether you like your narrative history insightful and intellectual or exciting and anecdotal you will not find enough to get your teeth into here. Sad because the title of the book holds out so much promise.

Regan is a good, solid military historian, and other of his works attest to this, but this volume lacks a real analysis of the line up of battle and how both sides reckoned on fighting and winning on tactical and strategic levels. Sieges seem to magically "happen" in an era where sieges were engineering marvels requiring money, technical innovation and access to certain resources to build siege engines.

We are told very little of the knights, how they funded themselves and what made them endure privations to fight for these two men, Richard and Saladin.

But one thing that clearly emerges in the book is that although the author is enanoured with both Richard and Saladin by his own description there is little to find really honourable in Richard. He was petulant, immature and prone to fits of rage which, although no doubt making him a formidable opponent, do not a military genuis make.

Also the record needs to be put straight on his killing of the inhabitants of Acre. The rules of warfare and the right of enemies who surrender to another were well known and developed in all societies and butressed with theological justifications even in the 12th Cen. One surrendering arms to an enemy gives over their protection to the other in return for laying down arms. For Richard to kill these innocents was nothing but cold-blooded murder for which he should be rightly vilified. There was no "moral courage" --- to quote Regan -- in any of Richard's actions at Acre. Regan I think is clutching at straws in an attempt to revive his personal hero.

Saladin comes across in almost an "Orientalist" image --- enlightened barbarian with learning, intelligence and compassion and moral judgement. So be it. Perhaps Saladin was, or perhaps we do not have access to enough Arabic documents which state otherwise.

The campaign in Outremer is also short-lived as is the campaigning in Rhodes against the wily King Isacc. The complicated political machinations and the role of the military orders is largely ignored.

The one good thing about the book is that it deals with historical fact and does not appeal to fringe non-intellectual themes (read: The first crusade was an attempt to restore the blood-line of Christ?!). This is a serious work, unfortunately it did not grab me like most other works on this period.

A noble effort but not on my top-ten of books read this year.

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