The Fourth Crusade was the first and most famous of the 'diverted' crusades; that is; ones diverted from their originally intended target. It was also the first to be directed against a fellow Christian; though Orthodox; state. Initially preached (from 1198 onwards) as a campaign against Ayyubid Egypt; which was correctly seen as the most potent threat to the Latin or 'Crusader' Kingdom of Jerusalem; its first Christian target was the city of Zadar in what is now Croatia. The greater part of the crusading army then attacked the Byzantine capital of Constantinople; again as part of their obligations to Venice. The result was a siege and the first capture of that great city in 1203. This title will highlight all the intrigue; deception; and betrayal of this tumultuous Crusade.
#1234256 in Books 2013-05-30 2013-06-13Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.45 x 1.17 x 6.39l; 1.46 #File Name: 1848326947279 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Definite must-read for all enthusiasts of german armored warfare in WWIIBy Lieven DebelsA good book on the life of Hans von Luck. The book takes you with von Luck into the many battles and struggles he participated in. I find there are 4 major parts in the book. The first part decribes his training as a young officer in the pre-war years; the second his military career during the war (he was active on practically all European theatres and in North Africa); third comes his years in Russian captivity and lastly he talks about his life after his release from Russia and his effort to reintegrate in normal life.The book shows von Luck as an ardent and gifted commander; but also as a human. Respecting the civil population in the areas his units pass through; respecting his men and respecting his enemies. Also shows that not all German officers agreed with the madness of Hitler and the top nazi officials.A good read; a fascinating story that takes you all around the European (Western and Eastern front) and North African battlefields.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Best IIWW memori book read so farBy Lector espanolOne of the best and most honest memoir books I've read so far. Well written; von Luck was a Rommel's close staff member through his military career; fighting in alll major fronts (Poland; france; Russia; North Africa; Normandy and Germany). Excellent and quite engaging description of the actions in North Africa leading a panzer recon unit and operation Epsom in Normandy. I strongly recommend this book to anyone interested in military history and wargaming alike.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. There can be honor in defeatBy CustomerUsually; we read about the winners; they're feats of courage and they're sacrifice for freedom and liberty. This is the other side of the battling soldiers: they're sense of honor and commitment for they're country; they're naif expectations of a better Germany and the bitter last fights for survival. Through the author's writing we can find the value of respect for the enemy and surprisingly (or not...) the sympathy for the people in the occupied nations. War is atrocious but warriors don't have to be. Highly recommended.
