The Crusades: The Authoritative History of the War for the Holy Land by Thomas Asbridge
The readers can download The Crusades: The Authoritative History of the War for the Holy Land Audiobook for free via Audible Free Trial.
Summary
The Crusades is an authoritative, accessible single-volume history of the brutal struggle for the Holy Land in the Middle Ages. Thomas Asbridge-a renowned historian who writes with "maximum vividness" (Joan Acocella, The New Yorker)-covers the years 1095 to 1291 in this big, ambitious, readable account of one of the most fascinating periods in history. From Richard the Lionheart to the mighty Saladin, from the emperors of Byzantium to the Knights Templar, Asbridge's book is a magnificent epic of Holy War between the Christian and Islamic worlds, full of adventure, intrigue, and sweeping grandeur.
This book is a must-read for everyone to grasp its essence. It compels us to reflect on the path we choose regarding religious leaders, their ideologies, and the profound implications it holds for us as individuals.
This audiobook offers a thorough exploration of the Crusades, delving into great detail. The extensive content did pose a challenge to fully complete, but it definitely pays off and is highly recommended for a listen.
This book was absolutely captivating. The author goes to great lengths to present an unbiased account, considering the constraints of providing a comprehensive overview within a limited timeframe. I was especially captivated by the author's retelling of the Third Crusade. It's definitely worth giving it a listen.
The author made an effort to present an unbiased perspective on the Crusades, but it becomes clear that he leans towards the belief that the Crusades were primarily initiated by Christians to reclaim the Holy Lands. However, his portrayal of Muslim hostility towards non-Muslims before the First Crusade undermines the reliability of his opinion. He mentions that Islam initially demanded a yearly tax from non-Muslims, which contributed to the Christian desire to intervene. This raises the question of whether the European Crusaders would have engaged in Holy War if the persecution of Christians had ceased.
In terms of the book itself, the author offers a generalized account of the Crusades, highlighting the atrocities committed by both Christians and Muslims. The narrative explores the impact of the Crusades on Islam and Christianity, drawing connections to contemporary events such as Bin Laden's propaganda and the 9/11 attacks. However, the storytelling lacks vibrancy and fails to sustain interest, often becoming tedious and dull.
Step into the past and immerse yourself in the era of the epic Crusades that swept through the Holy Land with this captivating audiobook. Through a balanced and comprehensive narrative, the author connects these historical events to the present-day tumultuous Middle East, shedding light on one of the fundamental catalysts for the later Protestant Reformation. Narrator Derek Perkins effortlessly navigates the Arabic names, delivering an exceptional performance. Personally, I found the account of the Mongol invasion and its encounter with the Muslim world in the Middle East particularly intriguing. If you're seeking a thorough exploration of this topic, delving deep into its roots and consequences, then this is a must-listen.
This book is amazing, I absolutely enjoyed reading it. The presentation is top-notch and what I loved the most is how it incorporates perspectives from both the Arabs and the Franks.
Being a huge enthusiast of Roman and medieval history, I must say that delving into "The Crusades: The Authoritative History of the War for the Holy Land" was an absolutely mind-blowing journey. The level of detail and wealth of information provided throughout the audiobook was truly exceptional.
I really enjoyed listening to this audiobook. It expanded my knowledge on the Crusades, teaching me a lot of new information. The narrator was captivating and his speech was easy to comprehend. The book presented different perspectives on the events, examining both the Christian and Islamic sides without favoring one over the other. It was fair in its portrayal of both sides.
Loading...
10 comments
Or use one of these social networks