Synopses & Reviews
The success of the First Crusade, and its capture of Jerusalem in 1099, has been conventionally explained by its ideological and political motivation. This book looks at the First Crusade primarily as a military campaign and asks why it was so successful. Modern writing about the crusade has tended to emphasize the moral dimension and the development of the idea of the crusade, but its fate was ultimately decided on the field of battle. This book looks at the nature of war at the end of the eleventh century and the military experience of all the contending parties in order to explain its extraordinary success.
Review
'\"What France does is present the military nitty-gritty of the First Crusade. This in itself makes Victory in the East an important book....Perhaps the greatest value of France\'s book comes with the discussion of the campaign between Constantinople and Jerusalem. It is clear from the detailed chapters covering the journey and its accompanying conflicts, both sieges and battles, that France has traveled widely in the region. This fact, confirmed by conversations with him, has given him a direct knowledge of the region and its terrain....Thus he frequently alters conventional knowledge about where the army marched, where troops were placed in battle, and on what sides of fortifications besiegers convened. In very few instances are his discussions not convincing....Already among military historians Victory in the East has made an impact. It should also be read by all crusade historians and other medievalists.\" Speculum-A Journal of Medieval Studies\"...this is an excellent book, essential reading for anyone interested in medieval warfare and the crusades.\" Military History\"John France\'s concentration on the military aspects of the first crusade bring us a useful and interesting perspective. ... ...this should be mandatory reading for serious students of the crusade. We needed something which would restore the fighting--which was, after all, the day to day experience of most of the crusaders--to a more central role in the narrative of the first crusade. France has not only done this; he has given a fresh and convincing interpretation of the episode.\" Canadian Journal of History\"...a well-researched narrative history... ...many new and valuable observations.\" International History Review\"...this book is an outstanding study and essential reading on a wide range of subjects concerning the First Crusade.\" Steven Fanning, American Historical Review'
Review
"...this is an excellent book, essential reading for anyone interested in medieval warfare and the crusades." Military History
Synopsis
A paperback of John France's new analysis of the strategies and battles of the First Crusade.
Synopsis
Includes bibliographical references (p. 383-407) and index.
Synopsis
This book looks at the First Crusade as a military campaign and asks why it was successful. It looks at the nature of war at the end of the eleventh century and the military experience of all the contending parties in order to explain its extraordinary success.
Table of Contents
1. The roots of victory; 2. War in the West; 3. Campaigns, generals and leadership; 4. Preparations and prelude; 5. The size of the crusader army; 6. The first enemy: the Turks of Asia Minor; 7. The second enemy: the siege of Antioch; 8. The siege of Antioch: crisis and delivery; 9. The siege of Antioch: victory; 10. Divisions; 11. Jerusalem: triumphant ending; 12. Perspectives; select bibliography; Index.