In this book Norman Housley, one of the most distinguished historians of the medieval period, provides an introduction to the complex history of crusading. * Steers readers through the key debates in this popular area of medieval history. * Draws on the author's 30 years' experience of crusading scholarship.

Preface. Abbreviations. Acknowledgements. Chronology. 1. Defining the Crusade. 2. The Origins and Character of the First Crusade. 3. The Development of Crusading in the Twelfth and Thirteenth Centuries. 4. The Intentions and Motivations of Crusaders. 5. Crusading Outside the Latin East in the Twelfth and Thirteenth Centuries. 6. Crusading After 1291. 7. Consequences: The Effect of the Crusades on the Development of Europe and on Relations Between Catholic Christianity and other Faiths. Index

In this book Norman Housley, one of the most distinguished historians of the medieval period, provides an authoritative introduction to the crusades. Drawing on 30 years’ experience, Housley steers readers through the key historical debates. Almost every aspect of the long and complex history of crusading has been the subject of energetic discussion, and Housley’s account addresses issues ranging from the definition of ‘crusade’, through the origins and character of the First Crusade, to problems explaining and interpreting the later crusades. The author also reviews two debates that relate to the entire crusading experience: the intentions and motivations of the crusaders; and what the consequences of crusading were for European society and government in the Middle Ages, and for the relationship between Catholic Christianity and other faiths.

"This book should be in the library of every serious student of the crusades." Alfred J. Andrea, The University of Vermont "This is a brilliant book. It is easily the best treatment of the historiography of the crusades." Jonathan Riley-Smith, University of Cambridge "This first instalment of Blackwell's 'Contesting the Past' series is an impressive showing. The author provides an excellent up-to-date survey of Crusade studies, and even offers suggestions for further investigation. Highly recommended." Choice "An excellent survey of debates and historiography, concentrating on work produced within the last fifty years. Housley provides a clear guide based on an enviable command of the literature, and for this we owe him a great debt of gratitude." The International History Review “Lively, lucid and stimulating … [A] highly readable book.” English Historical Review “Norman Housley has succeeded brilliantly in providing such a book; it is accessible, concise, and comprehensive." Historian "Housely's book should be at the very top of the reading list of anyone teaching the crusades." History