The Chronicle of Ibn al-Athir (1160-1233 AD); entitled "al-Kamil fi'l-Ta'rikh"; is one of the outstanding sources for the history of the mediaeval world. It covers the whole sweep of Islamic history almost up to the death of its author and; with the sources available to him; he attempted to embrace the widest geographical spread; events in Iraq; Iran and further East run in counterpoint with those involving North Africa and Spain. From the time of the arrival of the Crusaders in the Levant; their activities and the Muslim response become the focus of the work. While continuing with the aim of comprehensive coverage; the years in this part are dominated by the careers of Nur al-Din and Saladin; the champions of the Jihad; sometimes called the 'counter-crusade'. Of special interest is the historian's partiality for the House of the former; and his perceived hostility to Saladin.
#6298649 in Books 2004-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 #File Name: 0752423339304 pages
Review
