Review by Choice Review
In this well-researched and thoughtful work, Tyerman (Oxford) examines how historians, writing from the 12th century to the present, have invented the concept of the Crusades. Chapter 1 asks the question, "Were there any Crusades in the twelfth century?" to which Tyerman responds negatively, highlighting the inconsistency of crusading practice as well as terminological vagueness, especially in the field of canon law. Chapter 2 explores the definition and diffusion of the notion of "Crusade" from the 13th to the 15th century. Although Tyerman identifies Pope Innocent III as the pontiff who did the most to codify existing crusading trends and to give the Crusades an institutional focus, he also emphasizes the inability of Innocent's successors to follow similar policies, thereby permitting the crusading movement to drift away from papal leadership. Chapter 3 examines crusading historiography from the 16th to the 20th century, highlighting the various ways in which the Crusades were used for the purposes of propaganda. Tyerman has provided an excellent analysis of how history can be both written and rewritten to serve disparate ends. Highly recommended for upper-division undergraduates and graduate students. A. G. Traver; Southeastern Louisiana University
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
