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In Distant Lands

A Short History of the Crusades

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In Distant Lands

By: Lars Brownworth
Narrated by: Joe Barrett
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About this listen

In the late fall of 1095, Pope Urban II gave a speech in Clermont, France, and set all of Europe into motion. As many as 150,000 people eventually responded to the call, leaving everything they knew behind to undertake what appeared to be a fool's mission: marching several thousand miles into enemy territory to reconquer Jerusalem for Christendom. Against all odds they succeeded, creating a Christian outpost in the heart of the Islamic world that lasted for the better part of two centuries.

Perhaps no other period in history is as misunderstood as the Crusades, and in this fast-paced account Lars Brownworth presents the entire story, from the first clash of Christendom and Islam in the dusty sands of Yarmouk to the fall of the last crusader state. Along the way he introduces the listener to an exotic world peopled by mighty emperors, doomed Templars, grasping generals, and ambitious peasants. Some of the most famous names of the Middle Ages - Richard the Lionheart, Saladin, Eleanor of Aquitaine, and the legendary Prester John - illuminate this era of splendor, adventure, and faith.

©2017 Lars Brownworth (P)2017 Tantor Europe Religious Studies Middle Ages Middle East Crusade Africa Ottoman Empire Imperialism
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Excellent book for anyone interested in the crusades. Delightful written, easy to understand whole remaining very nuanced and often humourous. Couldn't stop listening!

Concise, articulate and always entertaining

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Lars Brownworth once again skillfully navigates the reader through a vital part of world history, leaving a clear understanding, and many lessons to be learned.

Another outstanding work by the author

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I realy enjoyed the global overview. for a short book, it was a really nice hear

Really enjoyed the narration

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As with most history books, I approached this with some trepidation, quickly expecting to get lost in turgid detail. I needn’t have worried. This is a highly listenable book, full of interesting accounts and wry observation. He brings the characters to life beautifully. I was incredibly impressed. Joe Barrett’s Reading is also of similarly fine quality.

A very fine account

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A really good read the only thing I didn't like about it was the butchery of names and places by the narrator, some of the names were not even close.

Really enjoyable listen

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