Saracen Faris AD 1050-1250 (Warrior) [Paperback]

David Nicolle (Author), Christa Hook (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 28, 1994 | Series: Warrior (Book 10)

In the Middle East, not only were the 12th and 13th centuries punctuated by European Crusades but, even more significantly, the mid-11th century saw the invasion of the Saljuq Turks and the mid-13th century witnessed a devastating Mongol assault. Crucial to the Middle Eastern forces involved was the professional cavalryman, known as a faris or 'horseman'. A faris' training was far more wide-ranging than that of a contemporary European knight, including the use of horse-archery and the ability to fight on foot as well as general horsemanship and the use of the lance and sword. David Nicolle's text presents a detailed view of these fascinating and versatile warriors.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Insights into the real lives of history's fighting men, packed with full colour illustrations, highly detailed cutaways, exploded artwork of weaponry and armour, and action-packed battle scenes.

About the Author

David Nicolle was born in 1944, the son of the illustrator Pat Nicolle. He worked in the BBC Arabic service for a number of years, before going 'back to school', gaining an MA from the School of Oriental and African Studies, London, and a doctorate from Edinburgh University. He later taught world and Islamic art and architectural history at Yarmuk University, Jordan. He has written many books and articles on medieval and Islamic warfare, and has been a prolific author of Osprey titles for many years. David lives and works in Leicestershire, UK.

Product Details

• Paperback: 64 pages
• Publisher: Osprey Publishing (July 28, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1855324539
• ISBN-13: 978-1855324534
• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 0.2 x 9.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,770,987 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Saracen Faris, June 25, 2007

By 

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

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This review is from: Saracen Faris AD 1050-1250 (Warrior) (Paperback)

This is the only warrior title to date that deals specifically with a warrior from the Islamic world during the Crusades. Again, David Nicolle reveals his expert knowledge of the gear, orgnanization, and appearance of his topic, as well as a keen understanding of medieval Muslim culture (despite the title, which refers to them as 'Saracen'). Much of the text follows the experiences of a faris named Usama, who was one of the few to live long enough to write of his adventures.

This book is very well-written. Though Nicolle's men at arms titles can be a bit dry, this warrior title is almost as enjoyable to read as it is informative; I read it in an afternoon. It examines the social and cultural origins of the faris, and his relations to women, his comrades, and his religion, as well as his training and tactics.

Christa Hook's artwork is beautiful and colorful, as is typical, and the plate commentary is extremely detailed. The illustrator obviously has a fine eye for little details.

This is an excellent book and a must for anyone interested in the Crusades. Keep in mind that it is written only from the 'Saracen' point of view; Nicolle is not kind to medieval western civilization and sometimes seems nearly overeager to make it out to be inferior to that of the East.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the Rares works of the mounted Islamic warriors., May 17, 2004

By 

Eduardo J. Tellez A (Miami, Florida) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Saracen Faris AD 1050-1250 (Warrior) (Paperback)

The Islamic history always has been one of the most difficult subjects to get accurate information in English(and more difficult in Spanish which is my native Languages)with this work published first in 1994 with 10 years now, we can see that Mr Niccole have achieve a execellent book explaining the everyday life of a SARACEN FARIS(mounted Islamic warriors)

In the Islmamic History the European Crusades does not have the same impact as it have in many European and American History, for the Arabic World the 11th, 12th and 13th Century are more important the Invasion of the Saljud Turkish and the Mongol conquest, so this volume of the Warrior Series pay also attention to the influnce of the Turkish and Mongol in the Islamic way of War.

Beginning with the Origins and Recruitment of the Faris which have many similar things with the European Knight but the weapons, armour and equipment were more lightest and the use the composite bow which was a stard weapon for many Saracen Faris,Training, Home and Barracks, Military Careers,On Campaign and Armour, also include a Chronology of main events from 1029 to 1291 and many details like the Diet,Pay, music, jihad and a Comparison with Knights.

This volume is highly recommended as an excellent introduction to the mounted Islamic warriors of the Medieval World with excellent colour plates by Christa Hook(the Archery Equipment plates and the one of the horse harness are amazing¡)it is extremely well researched, also check by David Nicolle

Knight of Outremer AD1187-1344(Warrior 18),Mongol Warrior 1200-1350(Warrior 84)of Mr Stephen Turnbull and Knight Hospitaller (1)1100-1306(Warrior 33)which is one of my favorites¡