An Arab-Syrian Gentleman and Warrior in the Period of the Crusades

The life of Usamah ibn-Munqidh epitomized the height of Arab civilization as it flourished during the early Crusading period. His memoirs provide a valuable non-European perspective and insight into the military and cultural contact between medieval West and East, between Christian and Muslim.

Autorentext

Richard W. Bulliet is professor of history at Columbia University. A former Guggenheim fellow, he has authored books on technology, The Camel and the Wheel (Columbia); and on Middle East History, Islam: The View from the Edge (Columbia). He is also the author of four novels of mystery and intrigue.

Klappentext

The life of Usâmah ibn-Munqidh epitomized the height of Arab civilization as it flourished in the period of the early Crusades. His memoirs present an uncommon non-European perspective and understanding of the military and cultural contact between East and West, Muslim and Christian. His writing is remarkable for its narrative clarity, its humanity, and its wealth of perceptive details.

Inhalt

Section I1. Fighting against the Franks 2. Usamah's first Sojourn in Damascus 3. Usamah in Egypt 4. Usamah's Second Sojourn in Damascus 5. Battles against Franks and Moslems 6. Adventures with Lions and Other Wild Animals 7. Other War Experiences 8. An Appreciation of the Frankish Character 9. Sundry Experiences and ObservationsSection II1. Stories of Holy Men 2. Noteworthy CuresSection III1. Hunting in Syria, Mesopotamia, and Egypt 2. Usamah's Father as a HunterINDEX