The Life and Legend of the Sultan Saladin

Jonathan Phillips has created a wonderful work for a very interesting man. This book is very well written, extremely carefully edited, and easy for Americans to read and understand. This is a smooth read and progresses through the life of this historically important sultan. He provides research from both sides of the spectrum during that time period. The excellent maps and format of the book are a wonderful addition to the novice of the Near East and its locations. To the avid traveler who has been to the area it provides insight as to assault battle positions of forces, i.e., Siege of Acre and Battle of Hattin.Again in anticipation of another Holy Land visit this year and return to Galilee and Judea, I acquired this book for background. This book makes clear much of the crusader history of the 12th century. The author spends the first nine chapters discussing how the usurper Kurd, Salah al Din, consolidates his power in uniting Egypt, Syria, and Jarzira to finally defeat The Kingdom of Jerusalem at Hattin outside Tiberius, July 4, 1187. Prior to this decisive battle, Phillips addresses the significance of Jacob’s Ford in chapter nine where the Hebrew University of Jerusalem will be excavating this year for the first time in 800 years along with a modern day Knights Templar order.The present-day pilgrim’s visit to Jerusalem will be enhanced by reading chapter 14 where Yousef breaches the wall and takes the holy city. In the narrative many places are revealed and described, still in existence today. The entrance of this 1187 breach being between Herod’s Gate and the Damascus Gate is where Saladin Street meets the old city, three blocks from my last stay outside the walls. According to Phillips the breach in the city wall was mined, therefore, cannot be where local guides today reveal the breach occurred .The remainder of the work deals with the Third Crusade and the sultan’s attempt to hold on to the military victories he acquired by the invasion of two great powers of The Holy Roman Emperor and the King of England in 1190-1. After dueling with the latter Salah al Din dies an early death probably instigated by a long term bout of malaria he acquired from time in Egypt that nagged him throughout his life.I will be taking this book with me on my next trip as I witness the Jacob’s Ford site on the Jordan River which is about 12 KMs north of Capernaum on the caldera rim, Sea of Galilee (Lake Tiberius). The only disappointment in the book is that a map of Jerusalem should be placed in the book. This would very much assist in comprehension. After reading this book this (Salah al Din) life must have been divinely inspired for how could he have done all that he accomplished.

I am a middle school social studies teacher. Naturally I enjoy studying history and have a background on the subject. I would recommend this book to anyone who has at least some basic knowledge of the period. It is refreshing, well written, exciting and gives a nice perspective to the life of Saladin and the general atmosphere of the Middle East during this time. Read it, it’s fun and exciting

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Very well written and thoroughly researched book

The author's writing style can be a bit of a slog. This is the second work of his that I've read and I had the same reaction both times (maybe it's me). If you're interested in the topic of the Crusades, the author's work will inevitably come up in a search. This book is in two parts. The first part is a biography of Saladin and informative. Stylistically, it wasn't a smooth read, but objective and even handed in tone. The second part is about Saladin's influence in both Europe and the Muslim world over the centuries, and much less interesting. The second part seems almost a random collage of how Saladin has been interpreted over time. Would only recommend to someone interested in this era.

spine of the book was very damaged. would not order again.

I read this book to learn more about Saladin, who I considered an enigma because while he was an exceptional military leader he could also be compassionate with his enemies. Not always, but often enough to deserve our respect. The book is well written and well worth reading.