Customer Reviews

The Crusades

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I'm not much of a history buff, but I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I'd recommend it to anyone. The text is easy to follow and the art work is very well done -- a fascinating read for those interested in the time period.

This book is the best book on the Crusades that I have read yet. Its easy to read and packed full of great information. I know a lot about the Crusades and I still learned a lot from reading this book. Another plus is that it has great illustrations and a very sturdy binding. I would recommend this book to all of my friends.

This book is an excellent short reference to the crusades. It is also beautifully illustrated. The fact boxes and appendices are also very good. A good buy

"The Crusades" by Yli Remo Vallejo is an entertaining read that runs chronologically from the beginning of the 1st Crusade (1096 BCE) to the fall of Acre (1291 BCE). Sprinkled through out the book are appropriate bios of the leading characters on both sides of the Crusades. The artwork and maps lend, not only visual aid but, incredible spice to keep one flipping right on through. There are two appendices of sorts. The first is a brief overview of arms, armor and tactics of the combatants over the two centuries that hosted the Crusades. The second is another brief one containing images of Crusader miniatures from the St. Petersburg Collection, enjoyable for the soldier buff.
The only draw back, I feel, to this book is the lack of information on the rise of Islam. This lack of information allows the author to "color" his conclusion. And there are a few, hardly important, inaccuracies that only an avid historian would notice.
Overall this work with it's beautiful artwork and engrossing telling of the two hundred years of campaigning will keep you turning pages until you have hit the back cover.

This book is the best book on the Crusades that I have read yet. Its easy to read and packed full of great information. I know a lot about the Crusades and I still learned a lot from reading this book. Another plus is that it has great illustrations and a very sturdy binding. I would recommend this book to all of my friends.

The book has excellent illustrations and has a great basic overview of all the crusades covered along with great pictures of what the Christian and Moslem armies wore and their weapons. For those who need a good basic book with maps to learn more about the Crusades this book is the one to get

When I saw the name of Mister Igor Dzis I knew that this book would be beautifully executed,this book is based in the Russian edition by the same name which gave us a nice look inside the weapons and costume of the crusader knight and thier infamous Saracens enemies which is the part that I really enjoy, there is not much books on the subject so enjoy the plates on the arms and armours of the Muslim and Saracens Knights(well remenber that David Nicolle's study on the Saracen Faris Ad 1050-1250 Warrior 10)
The Crusades is one of my favourite titles, the details of equipment is amazing, full color throughout all made by the same author, if Angus McBride is is one of the world's most respected historical illustrators, Mister Igor Dzis is the same for the Russians, if this is the first time you hear about him you would not be dissapointed this is one of his best historical artwork.

On the content of the book, this is a nice introduction to the eight famous Crusades, in every chapters you would find a small bio on the Leaders of each Crusade, also a nice chapter discution on the arms and armors, organization and tactics of both the Christian and ISLAMIC armies, some samll MAPS of battles and at the end some of photos of the figures of the publisher.
The books summarizes the Crusades but also provide modelers, historians, collectors, re-enactors and wargamers with an endless source of inspiration and information for their work or passion.

For more information check some of the Books of David Nicolle
he has made some great books and articles on medieval and Islamic warfare only put his name on the search engine and you would fine titles from the islamic armies to the Russian Medieval Armies and Medieval Siege Weapons. Brassey's Book of the Crusades by David Miller also features maps and numerous color illustrations but I nice work on the Oriental Armour is the one by H. Russell Robinson, another Related Books is Indian and Oriental Armour by Lord Edgerton of Tatton, if you enjoy the illustration check the amazing work of Angus McBride
Warriors & Warlords, highly recommended.

Lets hope the near future we can see the hardcover edition of the Crusades.