Saladin: The Sultan Who Vanquished the Crusaders and Built an Islamic Empire

I expected to like this book, based on the reviews I saw, and I certainly did like it. I liked it a lot. I liked it even more than I expected to like it. It was highly readable, very well written, and had enough detail to give a clear picture of the life and times in which Saladin lived- but not so much that someone who isn't a real Crusades afficianado would feel like they were being drowned in minutae. That is a rare mix. I don't read straight up historical biographies very often anymore - not because I don't care about facts around a person's life, but because I like truth better these days. Truth, while subjective, can be found in all kinds of sources and resources, some of which are a little light on fact, or have some good facts wrapped up in an intricate, delicately moulded arabesque package. I was looking for something that would speak to me about the truth of Saladin's life. I found that here. I did read a work of fiction also, Tariq Ali's 'The Book of Saladin', which had what I considered to have some real truth in it also. Both were valuable uses of my time. It is, I think, very telling that I started reading this book a few months ago, and would read very engagedly for a while. Then I would get interested in something else and put it down. Then I would return to it. And I kept coming back to it, because it was so interesting. And I was sorry when it was done and I had to put it down. I felt like I had gotten to know Saladin a little bit, his world- then and now. The world hungers for authenticity, unity, courage, generosity, vision, wisdom, kindness, patience and cleverness. And when his enemies as well as his friends and fellow countrymen admire him for these qualities-- even 800 years later, give or take a century or two of benign neglect here or there-- you have someone who is worth your time getting to know. This was worth my time. It will most likely be worth yours too. There was only one thing that drove me crazy about this book. It's the anglicization of his name, Saladin. He was Salah Hu Din Yusef Ibn Ayyub. It's a mouthful but I don't think it's too hard to say Salah Hu Din (salahhudin), which I believe is the Arabic for 'Glory of Religion'. It is an honorific, which I think he got from one of the Caliphs, but he deserves it. Es salam alechiem, Salahuddin.

I love reading books on history and especially books written about figures in our past. This is because we so often have an image in our heads of what and who these people were but that's not necessarily the truth.The author did a great job taking the reader through the various journeys that Saladin went through in his life. It was very compelling, rich, and filled with immense attention to detail. What I liked most though was that the author was not pushing his version of Saladin, but instead wanted to show the true and authentic figure of Saladin. It was very good and I fully recommend it to anyone interested in knowing more about this complicated and great historical figure.

Saladin’s life and story affected my land, Israel, in more than one way. Every castle has his name on it. When I realized that I’m not that knowledgeable about his story, I looked for a good book that covers his story. This book is well written and I highly recommend it.

This book is a good way to start your understanding of the middle east. Fantastic read about the history, culture and an amazing man.

Saladin fought well against the Christian invaders. The book created much sympathy for Saladin and his army.

Excellent book

Very good book about Muslim hero who was beloved by Muslims and others. His life is full of inspiration and significant lesson all human nation.

Knew some history about Saladin, but this material filled some gaps I encountered while following this iconic warrior of Islam over the years.

Brilliant. I love the hard cover book, it's amazing

Seems like the author had already some ill notions about salauddin. Though, john is honest enough, not to distort the facts, but at times he questions the intentions behind salauddin's actions. Only contemporary text can answer the intentions behind the benevolent actions so the author should have left the matter for reader's discretion, rather than inserting his opnions. Seems like he underestimates his readers.

I've read a few books about this era in Middle Eastern history, and this is definitely one of the best. Its very well written, and I found myself flying through the pages, and even laughing out loud at times. I really liked how the author set the scene in the middle east at that time, with all its players and recent politics so I knew what was going on and its significance. Its well researched, and regularly explained key geo-political events and actions and their significance so I felt like I was actually there at times. I highly recommend this.

Very informative and timely reminder of the Greatness of the Muslim Culture around 1000 ACE in fields like astronomy, philosophy, mathematics and the sciences...well before the Enlightenment in Western Europe...Khushroo Rustumji

Excellent seller A+++

Too much about the Crusades, very little about the man

Enjoyed the read but found some of the authors comments unnecessary and a bit juvenile. Nevertheless an interesting read.

I love it

Best Book..

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