Chronicles of the Crusades

by Joinville, Jean de; Villehardouin, Geffroy de; Shaw, Margaret R. B.; Shaw, Margaret R. B.

• ISBN13: 9780140441246
• ISBN10: 0140441247
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1963-08-30
• Publisher: Penguin Classics

Summary

Composed by soldiers who fought in the Holy Wars, these two famous French chronicles are among the most important portrayals of both the dark and light side of the two hundred year struggle for possession of Jerusalem. The first trustworthy and fully informed history of the Crusades, Villehardouin's Conquest of Constantinople describes the era of the Fourth Crusade - the period between 1199 and 1207, during which a planned battle with Moslem forces ironically culminated in war against Eastern Christians that led to the sacking of Constantinople. The Life of Saint Louis, by Joinville, was inspired by the author's close attachment to the pious King Louis, and focuses on the years between 1226 and 1270. It provides a powerful, personal insight into the brutal battles and the fascinating travels of one nobleman, fighting in the Sixth and Seventh Crusades.

Table of Contents

Introduction
Villehardouin: The Conquest of Constantinople 1. Muster-Roll of the Fourth Crusade
2. Treaty with the Venetians
3. The Army Seeks a Leader
4. Delays and Disappointments
5. Siege of Zara
6. Discord in the Army
7. Voyage to Scutari
8. Preparations for an Assault
9. First Siege of Constantinople
10. The Emperor's Covenant
11. Appeal to Arms
12. Second Siege to Constantinople
13. Election of an Emperor
14. A Case of Strained Relations
15. War against the Greeks
16. Siege of Adrianople
17. A Regency Established
18. King Johanitza Ravages the Empire
19. Offensive and Counter-Offensive
20. War on Two Fronts
21. Excursions Outside the Empire Joinville: The Life of Saint Louis Introduction
Part One
1. The Servant of God
2. The Servant of His People
Part Two
1. Turbulence of Barons
2. Preparations for a Crusade
3. Voyage to Cyprus
4. Landing in Egypt
5. Occupation of Damietta
6. Operations on the Nile
7. The Battle of Mansourah
8. Victory and its Aftermath
9. The French in Captivity
10. Negotiations with the Saracens
11. The King in Acre
12. The Old Man of the Mountain
13. The Tartars
14. Life in Caesarea
15. Expedition to Jaffa
16. Expedition to Saida
17. Return to France
18. The King's Administration of his Realm
19. A Fatal Crusade
20. Canonization of Saint Louis
Notes on the Translation
Glossary
Maps