The Crusades Through Arab Eyes

by Amin Maalouf
The Crusades Through Arab Eyes cover
Good Books rating 4.3
History, Identity, Culture, Sociology
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  • ID: 7910
  • Added: 2025-12-19
  • Updated: 2025-12-20
  • ISBN: 9780863568480
  • Publisher: Saqi
  • Published: 2012-08-01
  • Reviews: 4

The Crusades Through Arab Eyes offers a unique and compelling perspective on the Crusades, contrasting sharply with the European narrative. For Arabs, these centuries were marked by fierce resistance against a brutal invasion, culminating in the triumphant leadership of Saladin. Amin Maalouf draws from contemporary Arab chroniclers to present a lively and engaging account, highlighting the internal strife and cultural clashes that defined this period. This book not only retraces critical centuries of Middle Eastern history but also provides profound insights into the forces that continue to shape Arab and Islamic consciousness today. It's a must-read for those interested in understanding the historical roots of current geopolitical dynamics.

Reviews
Blog Life Review · Various · 2025-12-20
engaging 4.50

This book is praised for its novelistic style and engaging narrative, making it an enjoyable read. It is recommended for its unique perspective and valuable insights.

Readers appreciate the novelistic style of the book, which makes the historical account of the Crusades engaging and enjoyable. The unique perspective from the Arab viewpoint is highly valued, providing insights that are often overlooked in Western histories. The book is seen as a valuable resource for those interested in understanding the historical context of the Crusades. The engaging narrative and valuable insights make it a recommended read for history enthusiasts.

Quick quotes

    Maalouf's work is equally good.

    Although it's a historical account of the Crusades, Maalouf's writing has a novelistic style.

    A unique perspective from the Arab viewpoint.

Reddit - HistoryBooks · 2020-12-09
intriguing 4.00

The book is noted for its unique perspective and is considered a valuable addition to the historical discourse on the Crusades. It is praised for its ability to provide a different viewpoint that is often overlooked in Western histories.

This book is highly regarded for its unique perspective on the Crusades, offering a viewpoint that is often overlooked in Western histories. The narrative is engaging and well-researched, making it a valuable addition to the historical discourse on the Crusades. The book's ability to provide a different angle on the Crusades makes it a compelling read for anyone interested in the history of the region. It's a book that challenges the reader to see the Crusades from a different perspective, making it both educational and thought-provoking.

Quick quotes

    The Crusades Through Arab Eyes by Amin Maalouf is indeed a unique take on the Crusades, offering a rare perspective from the Arab viewpoint.

    A useful and important analysis adding much to existing western histories.

    Well-researched and highly readable.

Goodreads · 1989-02-06
insightful 4.20

The book offers a unique perspective on the Crusades from the Arab viewpoint, providing a well-researched and engaging narrative. It is praised for its ability to add depth to the existing Western histories of the Crusades.

This book is a standout for its unique perspective on the Crusades, offering a rare and valuable insight into the Arab viewpoint. The narrative is well-researched and engaging, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in the history of the Crusades. The author's ability to weave together historical accounts and personal anecdotes adds a layer of depth that is often missing in Western histories. It's a book that challenges the reader to see the Crusades from a different angle, making it both educational and thought-provoking.

Quick quotes

    A unique take on the Crusades, offering a rare perspective from the Arab viewpoint.

    Well-researched and highly readable.

    A useful and important analysis adding much to existing western histories.

WRMEA · 1989-02-06
insightful 4.50

The book is praised for its historical discussion and narrative style, offering a unique perspective on the Crusades. It is noted for its ability to provide a different viewpoint that is often overlooked in Western histories.

This book is highly regarded for its historical discussion and narrative style, offering a unique perspective on the Crusades. The author's ability to weave together historical accounts and personal anecdotes adds a layer of depth that is often missing in Western histories. The book's ability to provide a different angle on the Crusades makes it a compelling read for anyone interested in the history of the region. It's a book that challenges the reader to see the Crusades from a different perspective, making it both educational and thought-provoking.

Quick quotes

    The Crusades Through Arab Eyes is a story and a historical discussion rolled into one, and to the author's credit he never overextends himself.

    A useful and important analysis adding much to existing western histories.

    Well-researched and highly readable.

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