Description
Book SynopsisFirst full-length study of Pope Gregory X in relation to Crusade, demonstrating his significant impact. Pope Gregory X stood at the very centre of the crusading movement in the later thirteenth century. An able diplomat, he showed himself adept at navigating the political waters of Europe and the Mediterranean World. His crusade gained the participation of virtually all of the leaders of Western Europe, and even the Byzantine emperor and the Ilkhan of the Mongols: crucial if his crusade were to have a chance of defeating the very formidable and successful Mamluk Sultan Baybars. However, Gregory's premature death put paid to his crusade plans. Perhaps because of this, Gregory has hitherto been somewhat neglected by historians - a gap which this book aims to fill. It provides a full account of his contribution to the Crusade, demonstrating that he left a lasting mark on how crusading would operate in the years to come. PHILIP BALDWIN eceived his doctorate from Queen Mary, University of London.
Trade ReviewA thorough and fascinating account....The quality of scholarship is very high. * NOTTINGHAM MEDIEVAL STUDIES *
Baldwin proves without doubt the importance of papal leadership and forceful curial organization to the success of the crusades, even if in this instance the failure of the crusade came about despite Gregory X's intense efforts. * CATHOLIC HISTORICAL REVIEW *
Baldwin offers valuable insight on a pope's life, thinking, and conception of a crusade, even though that crusade never occurred. Recommended. * CHOICE *
Table of ContentsIntroduction The Early Life of Pope Gregory X 'We Saw With Our Eyes and Felt with Our Very Own Hand': The Importance of Understanding the Condition of the Holy Land Interim Crusade Planning A Problem of Governance: Pope Gregory X, Charles of Anjou, and the Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem Political Exigencies and Gregory's Crusade Imagining Gregory's Crusade Conclusion
