Description
Book SynopsisThis new translation offers a faithful yet accessible English-language rendering of the twelfth-century Gesta Francorum et aliorum Hierosolomitanorum, the earliest known Latin account of the First Crusade. Although an anonymous work, it has become the exemplar for all later histories and retellings of the First Crusade. As such, it is filled with vivid descriptions of the hardships suffered by the crusaders, with deeds of personal heroism, with courtly intrigues, with betrayal and cowardice, and with a relentless faith that would see the attainment of the desired goal: the capture of Jerusalem by the crusaders in 1095. There is a great deal of mystery surrounding this anonymous account, especially in regard to its authorship; place, date, and purpose of composition; narrative methodology; and point of view. It is also a sweeping tale that swiftly moves from the first preaching of the crusade by Pope Urban II, to the ragtag and ultimately doomed effort of the popular People''s Crusade,
Trade ReviewThe Deeds of the Franks and Other Jerusalem-Bound Pilgrims gives a brief overview of the political and church history of the 11th century leading up to the First Crusade. . . . Including a chronicle that has an overview of events before and during the Crusade, with dates so the reader receives an idea of when particular events occurred culminating in the capture of Jerusalem. The Deeds of the Franks is recommended for those interested in the history of the First Crusade. * The Augustan Omnibus *
A welcome addition to the growing body of translated crusader texts, graced with a sensible and balanced introduction. Useful to students and specialists alike. -- Paul F. Crawford, California University of Pennsylvania
Table of ContentsIntroduction Authorship The Language of the Gesta The Manuscript Tradition The Structure of the Gesta The Gesta and History Nature of the First Crusade Translation Selected Bibliography The Deeds of the Franks and Other Jerusalemites Verse in Praise of Bohemond Four Names
