The Leper King and His Heirs: Baldwin IV and the Crusader Kingdom of Jerusalem

ISBN-13: 9780521641876 / Angielski / Twarda / 2000 / 316 str.

Bernard Hamilton

Opis

The reign of King Baldwin IV of Jerusalem (1174-85) has traditionally been seen as a period of decline when, because of the king's illness, power came to be held by those who made the wrong policy decisions. Notably, they ignored the advice of Raymond of Tripoli and attacked Saladin. This book challenges that view, arguing that peace with Saladin was not a viable option; and that the young king, despite suffering from lepromatous leprosy, presided over a society that was (contrary to what is often said) vigorous and self-confident.

Recenzje

' … Hamilton's evaluation of Baldwin is convincing and compelling.' Journal of Ecclesiastical History

Spis treści

Prologue; 1. The sources for Baldwin IV's reign; 2. Baldwin's childhood; 3. The kingdom; 4. The international status of the kingdom; 5. The king's minority; 6. Western aid: William of Montferrat and Philip of Flanders; 7. The victor of mont Gisard; 8. Prince Reynald's initiative; 9. The dying king; 10. The heirs of the leper king; Epilogue; Appendix by Piers Mitchell: an evaluation of the leprosy of king Baldwin IV of Jerusalem in the context of the medieval world; Bibliography.