A fun romp through the history of US empire. The drawing style feels a lot like Persepolis, especially during the Iranian Revolution bits. Nothing rea...moreA fun romp through the history of US empire. The drawing style feels a lot like Persepolis, especially during the Iranian Revolution bits. Nothing really new or groundbreaking information wise (or really anything you shouldn't know already) but it was fun to read some critical history in an unexpected format. (less)
Fun and quick read featuring stories from that "band of brothers", that got along just well enough to barely slap a functioning country together, whil...moreFun and quick read featuring stories from that "band of brothers", that got along just well enough to barely slap a functioning country together, while managing to toss all the major divisive issues upon future generations. Thanks guys.(less)
A good general overview of events in the early 16th century. The title is a bit misleading however, and should actually be: Defenders of the Faith: C...more A good general overview of events in the early 16th century. The title is a bit misleading however, and should actually be: Defenders of the Faith: Charles V, Francis I, Henry VIII, Martin Luther, the Medici Popes, and the Battle for Europe (feat. Suleyman). I felt like a half dozen chapters about events in Europe, followed by a brief "oh hey Suleyman's canons sunk in the mud *again*".
It was very readable, and Reston did a good job of ensuring that all the disparate players had personalities and didn't become a muddle of guys with numbers after their names fighting on unpronounceable battlefields.
The book centers around the year 1492, primarily covering the unification of the Spanish kingdoms, the final defeat of the Moors, and dealing with Jew...moreThe book centers around the year 1492, primarily covering the unification of the Spanish kingdoms, the final defeat of the Moors, and dealing with Jews and Muslims who were hanging out in Spain. "Dealing with" in the convert or die sort of way. It was also nice that it dispelled a lot of the nonsense surrounding Columbus (the nonsense you learn in American schools at least).
It's written in an easy to read narrative style that kept me interested throughout. (less)
A solid and engaging history of the ill-fated 3rd Crusade. It's nice that Reston had a bit more from the Islamic side than his later books, where the...moreA solid and engaging history of the ill-fated 3rd Crusade. It's nice that Reston had a bit more from the Islamic side than his later books, where the Christians take center stage. It does bring up the possibility that Rich Coeur de Lion might have been gay, but it isn't brought up as often as other reviewers seem to think it was and really says more about them than the book. More surprising was that he barely spoke any English!
Much of the book reflects somewhat badly on the Crusaders, for obvious reasons. But does show how Richard chills out over time due to his contact with Saladin. There is also plenty of praise from the Muslims about how great a king Richard was, so it's not as one-sided as some would make it seem.
In all I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a basic primer on the 3rd Crusade. Read it or Melek Ric will get you!(less)
Like a frog in a slowly warming pot, the West brought the Islamic world to ruin. If you want a readable account of everything from Mohammed to the pre...moreLike a frog in a slowly warming pot, the West brought the Islamic world to ruin. If you want a readable account of everything from Mohammed to the present day, you really can't go wrong with this book. It doesn't get too bogged down in the details, and is really geared towards people who have no background in the subject.(less)
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