Jonathan P. Phillips Boeken

From an internationally renowned expert, this accessible and captivating history of the Crusades is told through the experiences of its diverse players—knights, sultans, kings, poets, Christians, and Muslims. The narrative traces the origins, expansion, decline, and conclusion of the Crusades, while also commenting on their contemporary echoes, from the mysteries of the Templars to the realities of al-Qaeda. Beginning with Pope Urban II’s groundbreaking speech in November 1095, which called for the recovery of Jerusalem, the account explores the centuries-long conflict between two major faiths. Utilizing songs, sermons, narratives, and letters from the period, it reveals how the First Crusade's success inspired kings to seek glory and blurred the lines between chivalry and crusading. In the Muslim world, early jihad calls went unheeded until the charismatic Sultan Saladin brought the struggle to a climax. This history incorporates the holy wars within the broader context of medieval Christendom and Islam, shedding light on forgotten truces and alliances. It also examines how the term “crusade” evolved into the modern era, influencing events from the Spanish Civil War to George W. Bush’s “war on terror.” Elegantly written and compelling, this work is essential for understanding medieval Europe and the history of religious conflict.

The second edition of "The Biology of Disease" is an introductory level text on the biological principles of human disease. The book is aimed at medical students in degree courses in biomedical science. The book fuses the biological (physiological and biochemical) processes which underlie the clinical manifestations of disease. As such, it brings together material which is conventionally dealt with by several books. The authors have covered the fundamentals of each topic in a readable manner, which should encourage students to develop a fuller understanding, where necessary, by reference to more comprehensive texts. Integrates basic science and clinical medicine. Detailed case studies at the end of each chapter which emphasise the clinical setting. New chapters on transplantation immunology, anaemia, toxicology & poisoning. The use of non-technical language for the descriptions in the case studies to ensure that all students will comprehend the underlying principles.

In April 1204, the armies of Western Christendom wrote another bloodstained chapter in the history of holy war. Aflame with religious zeal, the Fourth Crusade had set out to free Jerusalem from the grip of Islam. But after a dramatic series of events, the crusaders turned against the Christian city of Constantinople, the heart of the Byzantine Empire and the greatest metropolis in the known world. The crusaders spared no one in their savagery: they murdered old and young, raped women and girls, desecrated churches and plundered treasuries, and much of the city was put to the torch. Some contemporaries felt God had approved this punishment of the effeminate, treacherous Greeks; others expressed shock and disgust. History has judged this as the crusade that went wrong, and even today its violence and brutality provokes deep ill-feeling towards the Catholic Church.--From publisher description

The idea of the crusade remains a potent one. In this compelling account, Jonathan Philips moves away from modern constructs and possible misconceptions of the crusades, to explore the origins and development of the idea in its historical context. Through a mixture of narrative and thematic chapters, the book provides both an outline of key events and issues in the history of the crusades to the Holy Land, and an insight into new areas of research. Supporting documents include letters, charters, poetry, songsa and art. Aimed at 1st and 2nd year history students, thi s new textbook will bring an intriguing subject vividly to life.