An intriguing examination of the extraordinary–and little known meeting between St. Francis of Assisi and Islamic leader Sultan Malik Al-Kamil that has strong resonance in today's divided world.For many of us; St. Francis of Assisi is known as a poor monk and a lover of animals. However; these images are sadly incomplete; because they ignore an equally important and more challenging aspect of his life -- his unwavering commitment to seeking peace. In The Saint and the Sultan; Paul Moses recovers Francis' s message of peace through the largely forgotten story of his daring mission to end the crusades.In 1219; as the Fifth Crusade was being fought; Francis crossed enemy lines to gain an audience with Malik al-Kamil; the Sultan of Egypt. The two talked of war and peace and faith and when Francis returned home; he proposed that his Order of the Friars Minor live peaceably among the followers of Islam–a revolutionary call at a moment when Christendom pinned its hopes for converting Muslims on the battlefield. The Saint and the Sultan captures the lives of St. Francis and Sultan al-Kamil and illuminates the political intrigue and religious fervor of their time. In the process; it reveals a startlingly timely story of interfaith conflict; war; and the search for peace. More than simply a dramatic adventure; though it does not lack for colorful saints and sinners; loyalty and betrayal; and thrilling Crusade narrative; The Saint and the Sultan brings to life an episode of deep relevance for all who seek to find peace between the West and the Islamic world.Winner of the 2010 Catholic Press Association Book Award for History
#99815 in Books Daniel O Brien 2014-03-18 2014-03-18Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.00 x .66 x 5.18l; .55 #File Name: 038534757X272 pagesHow to Fight Presidents
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Funny and InsightfulBy Dawn BurgessThere are definitely a lot of laugh out loud moments; but missed the mark on the character traits for some of the presidents; most notably Grant.Overall I really enjoyed the book and listen to a lot of the chapters in the audiobook version. The premise of fighting presidents was inventive and provided an opportunity to look at that group of men (so far) in a different light. FYI - only presidents that have died are included in the book; not sure why the extant presidents were excluded; but I look forward to additional chapters as the years and former presidents slip away.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Incredibly funny; often causticBy David LandryThis is one of three books I have ever read which made me literally LOL on multiple occasions; the other two are Catch-22 and Hitchhiker's Guide tothe Galaxy. Incredibly funny; often caustic; frequently educational and always interesting; this book is a real gem for anyone into American history (no; really).I'm looking forward to future editions to include Carter; Bush !; Clinton; Bush !! and Obama. Bush I in particular should go down as a notable badass megalomaniac among badass megalomaniacs; i mean; dude was head of the CIA...0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. God Bless America and God Bless This BookBy WesquireDan O'Brien does a wonderful job of blending presidential fact with presidential hilarity in this fun and entertaining read. I've never read a book on beating up presidents quite as fast as I read this book. On a scale of one to ten; I give this book a resounding "YES!" Apparently the American presidential apple doesn't fall far from the American tree; because our presidents have as violent and badass a past as America itself. Read this book if you want to understand why America is the greatest country in the history of the solar system. Read this book if you want to understand why the president is the hardest job in the country (and no; it's not just because you have to submit your resume on albino zebra parchment paper written in the blood of a virgin american bald eagle).It's because it take a special person to run America: the biggest ego on the planet.This book is a great freaking read.
