 | Saladin: The background, strategies, tactics and battlefield experiences of the greatest commanders of history |
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(2 customer reviews)
Product Description
This Osprey Command book looks closely at the early life, military experiences and key battlefield exploits of Al-Malik al-Nasir Yusuf Ibn Najm al-Din Ayyub Ibn Shahdi Abu'l-Muzaffar Salah al-Din - or Saladin as he is more commonly known outside the Islamic world - who is broadly regarded as the greatest hero of the Crusades, even in Europe. Most chroniclers present him as a man of outstanding virtue, courage and political skill.
More recently, however, efforts have been made to portray Saladin as an ambitious, ruthless and even devious politician, and as a less brilliant commander than it normally thought. This book sets out to reveal that the truth is, as usual, somewhere in between.
- Amazon Sales Rank: #100690 in Books
- Published on: 2011-04-19
- Released on: 2011-04-19
- Original language: English
- Number of items: 1
- Binding: Paperback
- 64 pages
About the Author
Born in 1944, David Nicolle worked in the BBC's Arabic service for a number of years before gaining an MA from the School of Oriental and African Studies, London, and a doctorate from Edinburgh University. He has written numerous books and articles on medieval and Islamic warfare, and has been a prolific author of Osprey titles for many years.
Most helpful customer reviews
7 of 8 people found the following review helpful.Slim but information-packed
By Gordon M. Wagner
I was surprised to find that this was not a 700-page biography but rather a 64-page history and critique of Saladin's life and his actions in the field. It's beautifully produced, slick paper throughout with gorgeous color and tasteful typography and thoughtful images. The maps of Saladin's major battles are as good as any I've ever seen, anywhere. I gather that this is part of a series of famous military leaders and I should have noticed that it's under a hundred pages in length.
It's a terrific little book, very appealing. I only wish it was much, much longer and went into much greater depth, explaining the history of the era and the forces that gave rise to Saladin. Highly recommended. It's like eating at an expensive restaurant and being served a delicious, but small, piece of meat. Top quality but leaves you hungry for more. I didn't expect to be able to finish reading the book in one sitting. There is nothing left out of this book, it's thorough and well-written with an extensive bibliography. Tight, concise -- excellent reading. I just wish there was more of it.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful.Excellent mini-biography
By lordhoot
This must be David Nicolle's best effort ever. I am not normally a fan of the author but I have to give kudos this time around. This mini-biography on Saladin proves to be quite excellent. In less then 64 pages, the book managed to convey the full scope of life and time of Saladin from his birth to his death while explaining the complex situations of his political and military life. Usually, Robert Forczyk is the one who consistently write superbly well given the short format of Osprey books but in this book, David Nicolle did superb justice to his subject.
I found the book to be extremely well written, well researched and superbly illustrated. What surprise me was the depth of material presented here by the author. After reading this 64 page effort, I felt like I read a full length biography. I think one of the keys to the book's success was the way the author uses the maps. Much like Dr. Forczyk's style, the maps are crammed with information, almost cluttered like but yet readable and easy to follow. Another thing is that the book doesn't get bogged down in too much details although Hattin Campaign of 1187 does get some attention but that was Saladin's finest hour. The book's approach to it subject take a more neutral path, neither a great Muslim paladin or despot who craved for power and rule. He did seem to fight against Muslims as much as he fought against the Crusaders. I do agreed with the previous reviewer, I wish this book was longer in scope. It clear that the author have nailed Saladin's number. This book come highly recommended for anyone who got a casual interest in this subject.
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