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Robert the Monk's History of the First Crusade

Historia Iherosolimitana

Carol Sweetenham editor

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Taylor & Francis Ltd

Published:13th Jan '05

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

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Robert the Monk's History of the First Crusade cover

This is the first English translation of Robert the Monk's Historia Iherosolimitana, a Latin prose chronicle describing the First Crusade. In addition to providing new and unique information on the Crusade (Robert claims to have been an eyewitness of the Council of Clermont in 1095), its particular interest lies in the great popularity it enjoyed in the Middle Ages. The text has close links with the vernacular literary tradition and is written in a racy style which would not disgrace a modern tabloid journalist. Its reflection of contemporary legends and anecdotes gives us insights into perceptions of the Crusade at that time and opens up interesting perspectives onto the relationship of history and fiction in the twelfth century. The introduction discusses what we know about Robert, his importance as a historical source and his place in the literary tradition of the First Crusade.

'... [Carol Sweetenham's] research is clearly meticulous and, despite being aimed at a scholarly readership, her text is easily accessible and pleasant to read... a valuable tool for crusade scholars and a very welcome addition to crusade historiography.' The Medieval Review ’Sweetenham has made Robert's Historia accessible to a wider readership. Hers is a lively translation with a useful commentary.’ Crusades '... this volume in Ashgate's Crusade Texts in Translation series performs an indispensable function for anyone who wants to understand European crusaders' motivations and self-promotion. ... Sweetenham has provided a highly usable volume suitable for teaching and research.' MESA

ISBN: 9780754604716

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: 453g

264 pages