The Crusades Audiobook By Thomas Asbridge cover art

The Crusades

The Authoritative History of the War for the Holy Land

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The Crusades

By: Thomas Asbridge
Narrated by: Derek Perkins
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The Crusades is an authoritative, accessible single-volume history of the brutal struggle for the Holy Land in the Middle Ages. Thomas Asbridge - a renowned historian who writes with "maximum vividness" (Joan Acocella, The New Yorker) - covers the years 1095 to 1291 in this big, ambitious, listenable account of one of the most fascinating periods in history. From Richard the Lionheart to the mighty Saladin, from the emperors of Byzantium to the Knights Templar, Asbridge's book is a magnificent epic of holy war between the Christian and Islamic worlds, full of adventure, intrigue, and sweeping grandeur.

©2010 Thomas Asbridged (P)2016 HarperCollins Publishers Christianity Europe Germany History Inspiring Suspenseful

Critic reviews

"Derek Perkins is, as always, a matchless narrator. One could relish this production entirely for the music of his pronunciation." ( AudioFile)

Featured Article: The 20 Best History Audiobooks You Never Heard in School


While history is by definition the study of the past, no subject tells us more about the present, or is as exciting to follow in contemporary times. The range of subgenres within history writing is huge. Some authors cover a massive scope, while others zoom in to examine tiny, overlooked elements in a new way. Unlike your history class of old, these selections don’t demand memorization of names and dates. Read on for the best in our catalog.

Featured Article The 20 Best History Audiobooks You Never Heard in School
Balanced Perspective • Comprehensive History • Excellent Pronunciation • Engaging Narrative • Detailed Research
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Truly great and very detailed. Highly recommend for anyone interested in crusade history to listen to this.

amazing

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I am inherently interested in almost all aspects of religion, especially in the past. As an English speaking American, I have heard much of the Crusader side of this story, but little to none about the Muslim side. This is essentially a 50/50 telling and I couldn't pick up on any percieved bias. by far the best Crusade history I've ever "read".

I've listened to many Adrian Goldworthy books, Derek Perkins is great.

A two sided history

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I think the subtitle is well deserved "The Authoritative History...". This was truly one of the best history books I have ever read. The author is expert in his knowledge of the Crusades and lays out each crusade with superb detail. It is history but reads like a story or novel. The narrator is excellent. He reads without effort and his sentences flow through the story. I not only enjoyed the experience, but feel I received a class A education on the subject. Well Done!

Tremendous

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The author does a good job enumerating the various battles in and around Israel. The author associates the motives of the Christians and Muslims with religion. However, when the concept of Hebrews in Israel comes up, the author don't appear to know the religious history. In short, God promised Abraham a section of land. Muslims consider Abraham as their father. Hebrews consider Abraham as their father, and Christians understand the importance of Abraham. However, those with a hereditary claim to the Holy Land are the Hebrews. So, the whole battle between Muslims and Christians is stupid since neither group has a spiritual claim to the land. It would have been a nice cap to this book to point that out.

A Good Overview, But Lacking

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This a fair review of the Crusades as Both Sides are Guilty of Religious Zealousness

A Healthy Review of the Crusades As Both Sides Have Blood on their Hands

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A very well presented history of the past with very insightful meaning. I would recommend this to any history lover.

Wonderful

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I am an ardent fan of crusade history, so I've read much of what's been written on the subject, from sources old and new, European and Arabic. But this book blows all the others away! Asbridge links ALL these sources to present a blended telling from the perspective of all participants. You think you know the crusades? Think again! I especially enjoyed the final chapter, as Asbridge examines the effects of this fascinating time on modern Arab - Western relations. Derek Perkins' talents as narrator add a very acceptable layer, that keeps this lengthy read from becoming stale or dull. I highly recommend this book!!

Well worth the lengthy listen!

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Great detailed account of the Crusades from both European and Mid-eastern points of view. This is the definitive history from the 1090s to the end of the 13th century. This is a lot to digest, so the audio book is highly recommended.

Well Researched & Balanced History of the Crusades

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Time well spent listening to this book, I have learned a lot about both cultures. Thank you to the author Derek Perkins.

Informative and educational!

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This is one of those audiobooks that was difficult to “stay on track” with. To be fair, this is more likely due to a lack of familiarity on the listener’s part (me).
When I was able to stay focused, I learned a lot.
The last 30 minutes or so in which the author ties (or unties) the Crusades to modernity was very informative also.

Enjoyed, but difficult to follow

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