Book tip of an islamic knight during the crusades

[Roland_M]

Usama ibn Munqidh

"An Arab-Syrian Gentleman and Warrior in the Period of the Crusades; Memoirs of Usāmah ibn-Munqidh "

A very informative autobiography about the time of Saladin and Lionheart from the hand of a well known islamic knight.
Some contents about his arms and armour and their usage. Very interesting and informative.
For example, the best syrian edged weapons (swords) in this period came from India. Many franconian and syrian Knights used two layers of franconian chainmail armour over eachother during the battle.

More details here:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Usama_ibn_Munqidh


I am thankful for further book tips.

Regards, Roland

[Kubur]

Hi Roland,

It's true about the Indian steel.
If you are interested about that, have a look at this book.
http://www.oxbowbooks.com/oxbow/medieval-islamic-swords-and-swordmaking.html
You'll have all kind of swords, the best blades were from India & Persia.
Somewhere around the 15th c. the situation changed and Muslims started to import European blades...

Best wishes,
Kubur

[Roland_M]

Hi Kubur,

many thanks for your reply and for the book tip. I will order this book in the next few days.

I forgot to mention, that the autobiography of Usamah ibn Munqidh is a phantastic source for everyday life in that period.


Kind regards, Roland

[ariel]

Yes, it is a fascinating book, no doubt.
However, just like all autobiographies it is very subjective and self- congratulatory: all descriptions of extremely brave and noble behavior of the author as well as those of cowardly, treacherous and villainous behavior of his opponents should be read with a healthy dose of skepticism :-)

[Roland_M]

Hi Ariel,

I think every author tends to exaggerate his doings.

But this author also tells about his defeats and mistakes, this is why i really like this guy and i wish, he would be my friend. I would do almost everything for him.

He was also well-respected by the franconians. For his period he was really open minded.


Regards, Roland

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Usama ibn Munqidh

"An Arab-Syrian Gentleman and Warrior in the Period of the Crusades; Memoirs of Usāmah ibn-Munqidh "

A very informative autobiography about the time of Saladin and Lionheart from the hand of a well known islamic knight.
Some contents about his arms and armour and their usage. Very interesting and informative.
For example, the best syrian edged weapons (swords) in this period came from India. Many franconian and syrian Knights used two layers of franconian chainmail armour over eachother during the battle.

More details here:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Usama_ibn_Munqidh


I am thankful for further book tips.

Regards, Roland


Salaams Roland_M and what an excellent reference that is... I would go as far to suggest that of the 5 or 6 top references in this field your reference must be in the top echelon ... I would say to all Forum researchers ~Hoist in what this reference delivers and I would say you will be well on the way to grasping the essence of this subject... Type into web search the name Usama ibn Munqidh and enjoy the ride ... There is some excellent detail and mediaeval artistry in support...

#Brilliant ..!!

Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.