Saladin: The Sultan Who Vanquished the Crusaders and Built an Islamic Empire

by John Man

Overview

In this authoritative biography, historian John Man brings Saladin and his world to life with vivid detail in "a rollicking good story" (Justin Marozzi).

Saladin remains one of the most iconic figures of his age. As the man who united the Arabs and saved Islam from Christian crusaders in the twelfth century, he is the Islamic world's preeminent hero. A ruthless defender of his faith and brilliant leader, he also possessed qualities that won admiration from his Christian foes.

But Saladin is far more than a historical hero. Builder, literary patron, and theologian, he is a man for all times, and a symbol of hope for an Arab world once again divided. Centuries after his death, in cities from Damascus to Cairo and beyond, to the Arabian Peninsula and the Gulf, Saladin continues to be an immensely potent symbol of religious and military resistance to the West. He is central to Arab memories, sensibilities, and the ideal of a unified Islamic state.

John Man charts Saladin's rise to power, his struggle to unify the warring factions of his faith, and his battles to retake Jerusalem and expel Christian influence from Arab lands. Saladin explores the life and enduring legacy of this champion of Islam while examining his significance for the world today.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780306824876
Publisher:	Hachette Books
Publication date:	04/05/2016
Pages:	312
Sales rank:	955,231
Product dimensions:	6.20(w) x 9.10(h) x 1.20(d)

About the Author

John Man is a historian and travel writer with a special interest in Asia. His many acclaimed books include bestselling biographies of Genghis Khan and Attila the Hun, as well as The Great Wall and The Terracotta Army. He lives in the United Kingdom.

Table of Contents

List of illustrations vii

Preface: The Once and Future King ix

1 A World in Conflict 1

2 A Teenager in Damascus 21

3 Into Egypt 43

4 Building a Power-base 63

5 Back to Syria, and a Dead-end 77

6 Enter the Villain 89

7 Defeat and Victory: The Tide on the Turn 103

8 Reynald's Raid 125

9 Build-up to the Show-down 135

10 The Horns of Hattin 151

11 Retaking the Holy City 169

12 The Third Crusade: The Gathering Storm 187

13 Acre 195

14 The End of the Third Crusade 209

15 Death, and Enduring Life 231

16 A Brief History of Leadership 237

17 Legacy: A Glowing Image, a Grim Reality 249

Bibliography 271

Photographic acknowledgements 275

Index 277

Editorial Reviews

04/01/2016
Although little is known of Saladin's early life, historian and prolific author Man (Marco Polo) skillfully sets the scene in describing the tumultuous world in which Saladin (1138–93) came of age. His rise to power began when he was appointed vizier of Egypt under his mentor, Nur al-Din. Saladin's career ascended after al-Din's death; eventually, he would unite the Muslim Middle East and reconquer Jerusalem and other Holy Land sites from the Franks. Throughout his reign, Saladin effectively faced challenges from the Christian Crusaders and from within Islam itself. Man presents Saladin as an intelligent, tactful leader who employed both a soft and hard approach to achieve his aims. He could be generous or ruthless, depending on the circumstances. At times, Saladin used force against an adversary, in other instances, persuasion. His methods worked, as he ultimately became one of the most beloved sultans in history. Man's narrative is well written and immensely entertaining. Moreover, the author introduces the reader to other fascinating characters along the way, such as Hassan i-Sabbah (leader of the Assassins), the villainous Reynaud de Châtillon, and Baldwin IV (the Leper King). VERDICT This book will appeal to anyone interested in the Crusades or medieval history. An excellent addition to a public or academic library.—Dave Pugl, Ela Area P.L., Lake Zurich, IL

Library Journal

"One could not wish for a better storyteller than John Man."—Simon Sebag Montefiore, author of Jerusalem


"A tale about the life of a man and the passions that drove him"—Roanoke Times


"A worthy biography of an important Muslim hero"—Foreword Reviews


"Superb and eminently readable"—Chicago Tribune's Printers Row


"[A] masterful biography...The book tells a clear, vivid story of seemingly endless conflict, showing the strengths and weaknesses of both Christians and Muslims. The characters are fascinating...Man's style and pacing are just right for the general reader. This account provides valuable perspective for the twenty-first century tensions between Islam and the West."—Internet Review of Books, 9/29/16

"An excellent overview on this complex man and his time."
—Military Periscope

"A very interesting and informative biography that provides insights relevant to issues surrounding the Middle East today."—Toy Soldier & Model Figure

"The author of this book is an entertaining storyteller with an ear for a good turn of phrase."—The Historian

"Man presents a complete biographical account of Saladin's life, while also building his narrative around the Crusades...Saladin can also be characterized as a contribution to the popular history of the Crusades...This volume...succeeds in presenting a vivid picture of medieval life in the Middle East that will appeal to a popular audience."—H-Net

From the Publisher