This book should be in the library of every serious student of the crusades. Alfred J. Andrea, The University of Vermont This is a brilliant book. It is easily the best treatment of the historiography of the crusades. Jonathan Riley-Smith, University of Cambridge This first instalment of Blackwell's 'Contesting the Past' series is an impressive showing. The author provides an excellent up-to-date survey of Crusade studies, and even offers suggestions for further investigation. Highly recommended. Choice An excellent survey of debates and historiography, concentrating on work produced within the last fifty years. Housley provides a clear guide based on an enviable command of the literature, and for this we owe him a great debt of gratitude. The International History Review Lively, lucid and stimulating ... [A] highly readable book. English Historical Review Norman Housley has succeeded brilliantly in providing such a book; it is accessible, concise, and comprehensive. Historian Housely's book should be at the very top of the reading list of anyone teaching the crusades. History
