Waubonsee Community College

The life and legend of the Sultan Saladin, Jonathan Phillips

eng

Includes bibliographical references (pages 400-420) and index

individual biography

illustrationsfacsimilesplatesmaps

index present

non fiction

The life and legend of the Sultan Saladin

bibliography

1089902911

Jonathan Phillips

"In 1187, Saladin marched triumphantly into Jerusalem, ending decades of struggle against the Christians and reclaiming the holy city for Islam. Four years later he fought off the armies of the Third Crusade, which were commanded by Europe's leading monarchs. A fierce warrior and savvy diplomat, Saladin's unparalleled courtesy, justice, generosity, and mercy were revered by both his fellow Muslims and his Christian rivals such as Richard the Lionheart. Combining thorough research with vivid storytelling, Jonathan Phillips offers a fresh and captivating look at the triumphs, failures, and contradictions of one of the Crusades' most unique figures. Bringing the vibrant world of the twelfth century to life, this book also explores Saladin's complicated legacy, examining the ways Saladin has been invoked in the modern age by Arab and Muslim leaders ranging from Nasser in Egypt, Asad in Syria, and Saddam Hussein in Iraq to Osama bin Laden, as well as his huge appeal across popular culture in books, drama, and music."--Amazon.com

Introduction: Damascus 2009 -- The Muslim Near East and the First Crusade -- Nur al-Din and the City of Damascus -- Nur al-Din and the rise of the Jihad -- Shirkuh, Saladin and the conquest of Egypt -- Saladin's succession in Egypt -- Steps towards independence: the break with Nur al-Din -- Saladin's takeover of Damascus: open ambitions -- Progress stalls -- Victory at Jacob's Ford -- Saladin, Cairo and the River Nile -- Progress in Syria and Reynald's Red Sea raid -- Final preparations: the sieges of Kerak and Mosul -- The Battle of Hattin -- The capture of Jerusalem -- The siege of Tyre -- The siege of Acre, part I: 1189-90 -- The siege of Acre, part II: the threat from the north -- The arrival of Philip Augustus and Richard the Lionheart: the fall of Acre -- Battles of sword and words: Arsuf and diplomacy -- 1192: family feuding, the Battle of Jaffa and the end of the Third Crusade -- Peace at last -- Saladin's reputation in the west -- The view from the east: from the medieval age to the late nineteenth century -- Early Arab nationalism expressed through theatre, books and newspapers -- Struggles for independence in Syria, Egypt and Palestine -- Looking for a new Saladin, c. 1950-2001 -- Conclusion: Writing the history of Saladin