France and the Holy Land

France and the Holy Land brings together some of the finest scholars on the medieval period, offering a series of essays on a variety of subjects related to Frankish culture in the crusader states and, when pertinent to the Crusades, in France itself. Each piece is interesting and valuable: many are gems, combining extraordinary scholarship with smart writing; a few will make major contributions to the literature. As a whole, this volume is unique. -- William C. Jordan, Princeton University

Contributors: Annemarie Weyl Carr, Southern Methodist University; Rebecca W.Few periods in history have captured the public imagination than the Crusades. The Crusaders cut a rakish, Romantic image, as chivalrous knights go off to liberate the Holy Land, to make the world a safer place for Christian pilgrims. But who, really, were the Crusaders? In this exciting, interdisciplinary volume, many aspects of Frankish Crusader culture are explored by some of the leading researchers. Here we examine the art, poetry, and architecture of Crusader Paris; look at the imprint the Frankish knights left on the Levant, and upon the city of Acre in particular. The manuscript also examines cultural exchange, not only with those from Byzantium, but also with Muslims. This book presents thoughtful, provocative essays from leading medievalists that will profoundly influence our understanding of the Crsuades and Crusader culture.