Description
Book SynopsisUsama Ibn Munqidh (1095-1188) was a Syrian poet and warrior whose life coincided with some of the most dramatic moments in Islamic history: the invasion of the Turks into the Middle East, the collapse of the Shi'ite political power, and above all, the coming of the Crusades. Often at the frontline of such events whilst on military service representing one of his many Lords, including on occasion the legendary Saladin, Usama was nonethless best-known to his contemporaries as a poet.
Covering his exquisite anthologies of Arabic poetry, his witty and well- loved memoirs, and his political adventures, this comprehensive biography examines both the literary works of the famous "Arab- Syrian Gentleman" and the tumultuous life which inspired them. With a guide to further reading, a dynastic family tree and a glossary of the principal characters encountered in the book, it offers an indispensable window into Usmama's life, times and world of thought.
Table of ContentsPreface
Introduction
1 THE YOUTH AND THE CASTLE
The setting of Shayzar
Childhood
Hunting at Shayzar
Shayzar’s bad neighbors
Nizaris attack Shayzar
Relations with the Franks
Quiet moments
Exile
Service to Zangi
Last days in Hama
2 THE OUTCAST AND THE KINGS
Damascus (1138–1144)
Usama among the Franks
Trouble in Damascus
Egyptian adventures (1144–1154)
The lesson of Ridwan
A new patron
An expedition to Syria
Conspiracy in Cairo
The final straw
Damascus and Nur al-Din (1154–1164)
Calamity
3 THE POET AND THE TOMB
Diyar Bakr (1164–1174)
Literary output
Denouement in Damascus (1174–1188)
Intellectual pursuits
4 ORDER AND CHAOS
God’s will and the vicissitudes of Time
Usama’s Islam
Pious exemplars and the miraculous
Women’s honor
Male honor and social status
The manners and customs of animals
Conclusion
5 FRANKS AND MUSLIMS
Usama, ethnographer
Usama and the coming of the Crusades
Usama on Antioch
Social relations with the Franks
Medicine
Frankish justice
Usama and Christianity
Afterword
Further reading
Works cited
Principal people encountered in this book
Simplified lists of principal dynasties and rulers in Usama’s lifetime
Index
