The Chronicle of Ibn al-Athir for the Crusading Period from al-Kamil fi'l-Ta'rikh. Part 2: The Years 541–589/1146–1193: The Age of Nur al-Din and Saladin (Crusade Texts in Translation)

The Chronicle of Ibn al-Athir (1160-1233 AD), entitled "al-Kamil fi'l-Ta'rikh", is one of the outstanding sources for the history of the mediaeval world. It covers the whole sweep of Islamic history almost up to the death of its author and, with the sources available to him, he attempted to embrace the widest geographical spread; events in Iraq, Iran and further East run in counterpoint with those involving North Africa and Spain. From the time of the arrival of the Crusaders in the Levant, their activities and the Muslim response become the focus of the work. While continuing with the aim of comprehensive coverage, the years in this part are dominated by the careers of Nur al-Din and Saladin, the champions of the Jihad, sometimes called the 'counter-crusade'. Of special interest is the historian's partiality for the House of the former, and his perceived hostility to Saladin. The Chronicle Of Ibn Al-athir (1160-1233a.d.), Entitled 'at-kamil Fi'l-ta'rikh', Is One Of The Outstanding Sources For The History Of The Mediaeval World. It Covers The Whole Sweep Of Islamic History Almost Up To The Death Of Its Author And, With The Sources Available To Him, He Attempted To Embrace The Widest Geographical Spread; Events In Iraq, Iran And Further East Run In Counterpoint With Those Involving North Africa And Spain. From The Time Of The Arrival Of The Crusaders In The Levant, Their Activities And The Muslim Response Become The Focus Of The Work. This Part Covers The Establishment Of The Crusader States And The Initial Weak And Divided Response Of Muslim Regimes In The Area, The Moribund Fatimid Caliphate In Egypt And Competing Emirs In Syria And Mesopotamia. The Strengthening Of The Muslim Reaction Is Typified By The Career Of Zanki, Which Also Illustrates The Important Links With Events In The Orbit Of The Abbasid Caliphate And The Saljuq Sultanate.--jacket. Pt. 1. The Years 491-541/1097-1146 : The Coming Of The Franks And The Muslim Response -- Pt. 2. The Years 541-589/1146-1193 : The Age Of Nur Al-din And Saladin -- Pt. 3. The Years 589-629/1193-1231 : The Ayyūbids After Saladin And The Mongol Menace. Translated By D.s. Richards. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. D.S. Richards translates the historian Ibn-al-Athir's writings for the period 1146-1193 (years 541-589)