Chronicles of the Crusades

This volume contains two famous first-hand accounts of the "Holy Wars" of the Middle Ages written by two noblemen who took part in the French Crusades.Villehardouin became Marshall of Champagne in 1185, and his clear, balanced record of the Fourth Crusade speaks with all the voice and authority of a practiced statesman.Born between 1224 and 1225, Joinville came from a noble family - knights and soldiers who for generations had held the post of Seneschel of Champagne.Taken together, these two chronicles can be said to paint the portrait of a knight - Villehardouin describing his figure in an orderly, detailed progression, and Joinville addressing the man beneath the armor. These are invaluable records of a perilous time, and as such, thy greatly enrich our understanding of the Crusades.Includes: Notes on the Translation, Glossary and Maps.