It was published in 1976 - this is the original edition of the book. Also the format of hardcover needs adding, and a page count of 208 pages.
The blurb needs changing to this from the inside flap is: Born in the year 1137, Salah-ad-Din Ysef Ibn Ayyub (Righteousness of the Faith, Joseph, son of Job), known to us as Saladin, remains an engimatic figure. Having decisively trounced the Christian crusading armies and driven them from the holy places, he struck a harder blow at Europe's self-esteem than any Asian warrior since Attila the Hun. Yet centuries later he was still revered in the West as "a man very prudent and wise, one for excellent actes, moderation and valiantness greatly renowned." How is it that he became, even for his enemies, a symbol of chivalry and of indomitable military leadership.
Geoffrey Hindley has provided us with a skilful and enthralling narrative of Saladin's rise to power and of the complex historical background to his campaigns. He charts the successes which led to the gradual process of disintegration that put an end to Christian supremacy in Palestine. In spite of his triumphs, when Saladin died in 1193, he did not even leave sufficient money to pay for his grave.
Also the format of hardcover needs adding, and a page count of 208 pages.
The blurb needs changing to this from the inside flap is:
Born in the year 1137, Salah-ad-Din Ysef Ibn Ayyub (Righteousness of the Faith, Joseph, son of Job), known to us as Saladin, remains an engimatic figure. Having decisively trounced the Christian crusading armies and driven them from the holy places, he struck a harder blow at Europe's self-esteem than any Asian warrior since Attila the Hun. Yet centuries later he was still revered in the West as "a man very prudent and wise, one for excellent actes, moderation and valiantness greatly renowned." How is it that he became, even for his enemies, a symbol of chivalry and of indomitable military leadership.
Geoffrey Hindley has provided us with a skilful and enthralling narrative of Saladin's rise to power and of the complex historical background to his campaigns. He charts the successes which led to the gradual process of disintegration that put an end to Christian supremacy in Palestine. In spite of his triumphs, when Saladin died in 1193, he did not even leave sufficient money to pay for his grave.