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An Arab-Syrian Gentleman and Warrior in the Period of the Crusades: Memoirs of USA[Mah Ibn-Munqidh
 
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An Arab-Syrian Gentleman and Warrior in the Period of the Crusades: Memoirs of USA[Mah Ibn-Munqidh (Paperback)

by Usamah (Author), Phillip K. Hitti (Translator), Philip K. Hitti (Translator)
4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
Price: CDN$ 26.54 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over CDN$ 39. Details
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Product Description

Product Description

The life of Usamah ibn-Munqidh epitomized the height of Arab civilization as it flourished in the period of the early Crusades. His memoirs present an uncommon non-European perspective and understanding of the military and cultural contact between East and West, Muslim and Christian. His writing is remarkable for its narrative clarity, its humanity, and its wealth of perceptive details.

About the Author

Richard W. Bulliet is professor of history at Columbia University. A former Guggenheim fellow, he has authored books on technology, The Camel and the Wheel (Columbia); and on Middle East History, Islam: The View from the Edge (Columbia). He is also the author of four novels of mystery and intrigue.

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Customer Reviews

3 Reviews
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4 star:
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Average Customer Review
4.7 out of 5 stars (3 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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4.0 out of 5 stars A westerner is rewarded by patience with a good read, July 28 2005
By A Customer
I bought this book to experience what life may have been like in the midst of the Crusades, but found as well a hint of the modern Arab mind. I now realize that mid-eastern thought has a different set of priorities, and have discovered why they are so fearless when they wage the jihad that has been going on for over a thousand years.
As for reading the book, once you master the endless names of the dramatis personae, you find a string of believable and enjoyable anecdotes from a man who must have been a legend in his own time. No lesson is longer than a few pages so it is an easy book to put down and pick up again.
If these memoirs were rearranged in chronological order (remember they're the recollections of a very aged man) they would make a fantastic and eye-opening movie.
I recommend it to anyone curious about middle-eastern history or as a modern means to "know thine enemy."
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5.0 out of 5 stars An eye opener on medieval life and a delightful read, May 8 2003
By Frank Rayal (Toronto, ON Canada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   
Usamah calls his book "Kitab al-Itibar" or "The Book of Instructive Example." True to its title, there is much to learn from this book, but what I found very interesting were perhaps things other than what Usamah wanted us to learn. For example, it was interesting to note the Arab perception of Franks, the relationship between Arabs and Franks during the first of two centuries of crusades on the Eastern Mediterranean, and aspects of the life of a prince and some commoners as well. The stories about hunts are numerous and tend to get boring, but they tell us of a rich fauna that is now largely extinct (lions, leopards, etc.). Usamah's talk of old age provides a sobering philosophical view of life.

What an excellent job by Philip Hitti who translated the manuscript from Arabic! Considering that the manuscript was lacking in things such diacritical marks (dots on Arabic letters), punctuation, etc. it is truly an amazing that he was able to pull this book together in the manner its stands. Thanks to Philip Hitti we can enjoy Usamah's book: it is truly a delightful read!

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5.0 out of 5 stars The best book i ever read, Aug 20 2001
Unlike any other history book, this is a first hand account, day to day life of an Arab Syrian prince in the time of the crusades; He talks about his advantures, feelings and thoughts, it's just like going back in time almost 1000 years. If you like history and especially the crusades, this book is a must. I go back and read this book every once in a while, it's entertaining and informative.
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