The Crusades : the authoritative history of the war for the Holy Land / Thomas Asbridge.

First published in Great Britain in 2010 by Simon and Schuster UK Limited.

Includes bibliographical references (pages [687]-742) and index.

Pt. I. The Coming of the Crusades -- 1. Holy War, Holy Land -- 2. Syrian Ordeals -- 3. The Sacred City -- 4. Creating the Crusader States -- 5. Outremer -- 6. Crusading Reborn -- Pt. II. The Response of Islam -- 7. Muslim Revival -- 8. The Light of Faith -- 9. The Wealth of Egypt -- 10. Heir or Usurper -- 11. The Sultan of Islam -- 12. Holy Warrior -- Pt. III. The Trial of Champions -- 13. Called to Crusade -- 14. The Conqueror Challenged -- 15. The Coming of Kings -- 16. Lionheart -- 17. Jerusalem -- 18. Resolution -- Pt. IV. The Struggle for Survival -- 19. Rejuvenation -- 20. New Paths -- 21. A Saint at War -- Pt. V. Victory in the East -- 22. Lion of Egypt -- 23. The Holy Land Reclaimed -- Conclusion: The Legacy of the Crusades.

"For the first time, this book tells the story of this epic struggle from the perspective of both Christians and Muslims, reconstructing the experiences and attitudes of those on either side of the conflict. Mixing pulsing narrative and piercing insight, it exposes the full horror, passion and barbaric grandeur of the crusading era, leading us into a world of legendary champions, such as Richard the Lionheart and Saladin, shadowy Assassins, poet-warriors and pious visionaries; across the desert sands of Egypt to the verdant forests of Lebanon, and through the ancient cities of Constantinople, Cairo and Damascus."--BOOK JACKET.