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  3. The Leper King and his Heirs
  • Cited by 21
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    • Publisher:
      Cambridge University Press
      Publication date:
      05 February 2015
      18 May 2000
      ISBN:
      9781107050662
      9780521641876
      9780521017473
      DOI:
      https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9781107050662
      Dimensions:
      (228 x 152 mm)
      Weight & Pages:
      0.645kg, 316 Pages
      Dimensions:
      (228 x 152 mm)
      Weight & Pages:
      0.445kg, 316 Pages
      • Subjects:
      Middle East Studies, Area Studies, European History 1000-1450, History, European Studies
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    • Selected: Digital
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    Subjects:
    Middle East Studies, Area Studies, European History 1000-1450, History, European Studies
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    Book description

    The reign of King Baldwin IV of Jerusalem (1174–85) has traditionally been seen as a period of decline when, because of the king's illness, power came to be held by unsuitable men who made the wrong policy decisions. Notably, they ignored the advice of Raymond of Tripoli and attacked Saladin, who was prepared to keep peace with the Franks while uniting the Islamic near east under his rule. This book challenges that view, arguing that peace with Saladin was not a viable option for the Franks; that the young king, despite suffering from lepromatous leprosy (the most deadly form of the disease) was an excellent battle leader who strove with some success to frustrate Saladin's imperial ambitions; that Baldwin had to remain king in order to hold factions in check; but that the society over which he presided was, contrary to what is often said, vigorous and self-confident.

    Reviews

    ‘ … compelling … the book stands as a gifted work and one of the best introductions to the world of the Latin East produced to date.’

    Source: BBC History Magazine

    ‘ … judicious and learned book.’

    Source: The Times Literary Supplement

    ‘ … Hamilton’s evaluation of Baldwin is convincing and compelling.’

    Source: Journal of Ecclesiastical History

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