The Crusades Audiobook By Thomas Asbridge cover art

The Crusades

The Authoritative History of the War for the Holy Land

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The Crusades

By: Thomas Asbridge
Narrated by: Derek Perkins
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About this listen

The Crusades is an authoritative, accessible single-volume history of the brutal struggle for the Holy Land in the Middle Ages. Thomas Asbridge - a renowned historian who writes with "maximum vividness" (Joan Acocella, The New Yorker) - covers the years 1095 to 1291 in this big, ambitious, listenable account of one of the most fascinating periods in history. From Richard the Lionheart to the mighty Saladin, from the emperors of Byzantium to the Knights Templar, Asbridge's book is a magnificent epic of holy war between the Christian and Islamic worlds, full of adventure, intrigue, and sweeping grandeur.

©2010 Thomas Asbridged (P)2016 HarperCollins Publishers
Germany History Crusade Ottoman Empire Imperialism Inspiring Suspenseful War
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Critic reviews

"Derek Perkins is, as always, a matchless narrator. One could relish this production entirely for the music of his pronunciation." ( AudioFile)

Featured Article: The 20 Best History Audiobooks You Never Heard in School


While history is by definition the study of the past, no subject tells us more about the present, or is as exciting to follow in contemporary times. The range of subgenres within history writing is huge. Some authors cover a massive scope, while others zoom in to examine tiny, overlooked elements in a new way. Unlike your history class of old, these selections don’t demand memorization of names and dates. Read on for the best in our catalog.

What listeners say about The Crusades

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Everyone

Everyone should have to read and understand what this book is about! Everyone should also think about how we want to go forward with religious leaders and their beliefs and what it all means for us as people!

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7 people found this helpful

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Surprisingly enjoyable

I bought this to educate myself on this particularly fascinating period of history, expecting to have to push through it. To my delight, I found this whole audio book absolutely riveting. And the narrator's performance was among the best I've ever experienced.

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2 people found this helpful

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Pay Attention

Good book with a " neutral " report on the history of a very emotional subject. Relevant even today and you know what they say about those who don't remember the past.

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Great Narrative History

This is an outstanding narrative history of the Crusades. Both the story and performance are excellent. I came in knowing nothing about them but now have a feel for the whole phenomenon. If you want a chronological telling of this history, it's hard to go wrong with this.

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Amazing!

I love the narrator and the material was detailed, thorough and kept me interested. What a story!!

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Best audio book on Crusaders so far.

Best audio book on Crusaders so far.
Informative, interesting, figurative, extended but not biring.
Very well managed!

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Details, details

Everything you wanted, and didn't want to know about the centuries of battles in the Middle East. Excellent way to finish the book in our current time and day.

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Good Book Well Read

Where does The Crusades rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This book strikes a fine balance between the political, martial and theological components of the Crusades. It is well researched and well written, offering an honest, cautious and critical interpretation of the recorded events. The author takes great care not to fall into the common, oversimplified blame game and, in fact, ends the book with an interesting look at how the crusades have been misappropriated by political ideologues on both sides.

What other book might you compare The Crusades to and why?

The book compares well with others I have read regarding this period in history. The author fleshes out the character of the leading players with honesty and empathy much like Will Durant in his Story of Civilization series.

What about Derek Perkins’s performance did you like?

Perkins is a master at his trade. His read matched the author's voice perfectly, capturing the style and pace of the prose with ease. I especially enjoyed his meticulous pronunciations of the manifold Frankish names and titles.

Any additional comments?

A student of the period may want to purchase the written text in addition to the audio. I plan to do so for reference, as there are so many significant characters, places and events woven into the tale.

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Interesting - full of info I did not know about

Would you consider the audio edition of The Crusades to be better than the print version?

I find this book a great mixture of adventure, historical persons, and background information with critical thoughts. The crusades are perhaps not a part of our history to be proud off, but at least this book puts them in a historical context. Well read too!

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Worthy Purchase

Great view of both sides. Humanizing and in depth. Derek Perkins is a top tier narrator, level and authoritative.

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