Saladin and the Saracens (Men-at-Arms) [Paperback]

David Nicolle (Author), Angus McBride (Illustrator)

Book Description

Series: Men-at-Arms | Publication Date: March 26, 1986

Salah al Din Yusif ibn Ayyub, known to his Muslim contemporaries as al Nasi, 'The Victorious', and to an admiring Europe as Saladin, is the most famous single figure in the history of the Crusades, being even better known outside the English-speaking world than his Christian foe Richard the Lionheart. Traditionally portrayed as a quiet, deeply religious and even humble man, Saladin was a typical product of his day and his culture. This title shows how the societies and military systems that he and his successors led from defeat to eventual triumph were far more sophisticated than is generally realised, and brings vividly to life the history, organisation, arms and armour of Saladin and the Saracens.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Packed with specially commissioned artwork, maps and diagrams, the Men-at-Arms series is an unrivalled illustrated reference on the history, organisation, uniforms and equipment of the world's military forces, past and present.

About the Author

David Nicolle was born in 1944 and was educated at Highgate School. For eight years he worked in the BBC Arabic Service. In 1971 he went 'back to school', gaining an MA from the School of Oriental and African Studies and a PhD from Edinburgh University. For some years he taught art and architectural history at Yarmuk University, Jordan. David has written many Osprey titles, including Men-At-Arms 140 Armies of the Ottoman Turks, Men-At-Arms 320 Armies of the Caliphates 862–1098, and Campaign 43 Fornovo 1495.

Product Details

• Paperback: 48 pages
• Publisher: Osprey Publishing (March 26, 1986)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0850456827
• ISBN-13: 978-0850456820
• Product Dimensions: 7.2 x 0.1 x 9.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #712,664 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Nice Work, December 2, 2002

By 

Zekeriyah (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Saladin and the Saracens (Men-at-Arms) (Paperback)

Part of the Osprey's series covering various troops and soldiers from important historical periods, this book takes a (very) brief look at the armies in the Middle East during the time of the Crusades. Over all, its a short, somewhat general read. The emphasis is, of course, on Middle Eastern soldiers, so much of it is devoted to Saladin and the Arab and Kurdish armies, but there is also some stuff on the tribal Turks and the Armenians and Cilicians, which I found interesting. Information is given on all the troops, how they fought, what sort of arms and armor they used, where they came from and so forth. Some things were skipped over, or left out entirely, but considering the limited scope of this book, that can be forgivven. Personally, I was amazed by how much they did manage to fit in at any rate! Of particular interest are the wonderful color plates, which go into magnificent details on specific troops and their equipment.
Its a pretty decent book. Not too detailed, perhaps, but it has some excellent visuals and can easily put the Crusades into context and sum things up. If this time period interests you, then by all means look into this book.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Detailed source, June 22, 2007

By 

K. Murphy "Fortune favors the Bold" (The thriving metropolis of Masury, OH) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Saladin and the Saracens (Men-at-Arms) (Paperback)

A very detailed source on the Islamic armies of the Second and Third Crusades, focusing on the Ayyubids of Salah al-Din but also examining the Fatimids, the Seljuks, and other Turkish factions. Helps dispel some myths and stereotypes about medieval Eastern warfare and shows how, in many respects it was connected to that of Europe.

4.0 out of 5 stars ein kleines bisschen fehlt, September 10, 2010

By 

Konrad Stein "El viejo lobo." (Hettstedt) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Saladin and the Saracens (Men-at-Arms) (Paperback)

Wie bei einigen Osprey-Heften, so fehlt auch hier der Platz für ein so spannendes und umfangreiches Thema. Die Texte sind gut und die Zeichnungen erste Wahl, aber es geht doch zu viel verloren, hauptsächlich bei der Darstellung der arabischen Armee. Ich muss da nicht viele Worte machen. Ich hatte ständig das Gefühl, dass die nächste Seite mehr ins Detail gehen würde. Doch das passierte nicht. Deswegen behalte ich mir einen Stern vor.