Usama ibn Munqidh: Warrior-Poet of the Age of Crusades (Makers of the Muslim World)

Usama Ibn Munqidh (1095-1188) was a Syrian poet and warrior whose life coincided with some of the most dramatic moments in Islamic history: the invasion of the Turks into the Middle East, the collapse of the Shi'ite political power, and above all, the coming of the Crusades. Often at the frontline of such events whilst on military service representing one of his many Lords, including on occasion the legendary Saladin, Usama was nonethless best-known to his contemporaries as a poet. Covering his exquisite anthologies of Arabic poetry, his witty and well- loved memoirs, and his political adventures, this comprehensive biography examines both the literary works of the famous "Arab- Syrian Gentleman" and the tumultuous life which inspired them. With a guide to further reading, a dynastic family tree and a glossary of the principal characters encountered in the book, it offers an indispensable window into Usmama's life, times and world of thought. Usama Ibn Munqidh (1095-1188) was a Syrian poet and warrior whose life coincided with some of the most dramatic moments in Islamic history: the invasion of the Turks into the Middle East, the collapse of the Shi'ite political power, and above all, the coming of the Crusades. Often at the frontline of such events whilst on military service representing one of his many Lords, including on occasion the legendary Saladin, Usama was nonetheless best-known to his contemporaries as a poet. Covering his exquisite anthologies of Arabic poetry, his witty and well-loved memoirs, and his political adventures, this comprehensive biography examines both the literary works of the famous 'Arab-Syrian Gentleman' and the tumultuous life which inspired them. With a guide to further reading, a dynastic family tree and a glossary of the principal characters encountered in the book, it offers an indispensable window into Usama's life, times and world of thought

A fascinating portrait of Usama ibn Munquidh, the famed 12th century warrior-poet and chronicler of everyday Muslim in the era of the first Crusade.

Focussing on both his literary achievements and political adventures, Paul Cobb introduces the great Syrian warrior poet.