Customer Reviews

Saracen Faris AD 1050-1250 (Warrior)

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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.

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¡