Steven Runciman's abridged edition of 'The First Crusade' is a lively and well-written introduction to the subject, but it shows its age with outdated scholarship and lacks essential maps. While it remains engaging, readers seeking a more accurate military history may prefer alternative sources.
Steven Runciman's 'The First Crusade' is an abridged version of the first volume of his 'A History of the Crusades.' The book is engaging and well-written, making it a popular choice for introducing the topic. However, it lacks maps, which are crucial for understanding the geography discussed. The abridgement omits the original's critical apparatus, targeting a broader audience but leaving non-specialists potentially confused. The work reflects outdated scholarship, particularly in its portrayal of the Cluniac influence and certain historical events. While Runciman's Byzantine perspective is a refreshing angle, his bias towards Emperor Alexius and against Bohemond is notable. For a more accurate military history, John France's 'Victory in the East' is recommended.
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The abridgement of 1980 did not add substantial new material or update the work to account for recent scholarship, and the present publication is not a new edition but a posthumous reprint.
Runciman's work is lively, entertaining and wonderfully written.
It is, nevertheless, showing its age.