This book was so good that my husband stole it from me. *Before* I got to finish it. In his double biography of Richard the Lionheart and Saladin, balances the reality and romance of these two men during the 3rd Crusade. Although the book is weighted a little heavier on the Richards side (I'd say it's 60% Richard, 40% Saladin), you come away feeling like both men have been explored fairly. Saladin is a formidable opponent, and a better king and diplomat who shows decidedly more compassion than Christian Richard. The author's exploration of Richard's genius as a general, his homosexuality, & of his poor record as an absentee king despite his chivalrous legend, make for fascinating reading.