An Arab-Syrian Gentleman and Warrior in the Period of the Crusades: Memoirs of Usamah ibn-Munqidh

Philip K. Hitti; With a new forward by Richard W. Bulliet; Translated by Philip K. Hitti

The life of Usâmah ibn-Munqidh epitomized the height of Arab civilization as it flourished in the period of the early Crusades. His memoirs present an uncommon non-European perspective and understanding of the military and cultural contact between East and West, Muslim and Christian. His writing is remarkable for its narrative clarity, its humanity, and its wealth of perceptive details.

Related Subjects

• Medieval History
• Middle Eastern Literature

Series

• Records of Western Civilization Series

About the Author

Richard W. Bulliet is professor of history at Columbia University. A former Guggenheim fellow, he has authored books on technology, The Camel and the Wheel (Columbia); and on Middle East History, Islam: The View from the Edge (Columbia). He is also the author of four novels of mystery and intrigue.

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