The Crusader States and their Neighbours

In The Crusader States & Their Neighbours: A Military History, 1099-1187, Nicholas Morton takes a fresh look at the history of the military encounters between the Frankish states of the Latin East and their various Christian and Muslim neighbors in the twelfth century. Morton's work differs from that of others in his careful situation of the Latin polities within their Levantine context for understanding of how and why Frankish armies and their commanders operated the way they did. * Ann E. Zimo, University of New Hampshire, Journal of British Studies * For general readers, perhaps the most important conclusion of Morton's book is that because such a complex and evolving political, cultural, and religious climate characterized the Near East, both alliances and wars were not driven by religious ideology alone ... This volume therefore breaks new ground in military history and should become required reading for those interested in the history of the crusades, conflicts in the Near East, and the Mediterranean. * Jessalynn Bird, Sehepunkte * Morton ambitiously sets out to offer a comprehensive analysis of all the military activity of the region in the twelfth century, with as many military episodes considered as possible, from the smallest to the largest. In this, he has succeeded impressively. The results of his extensive research have led to not only an invaluable book on warfare in the Middle East in the twelfth century, but one which also contributes notably to our understanding of medieval warfare in general. It is a thoroughly engrossing read. * Sean McGlynn, Global Military Studies Review *