Saladin is a legendary figure in the history of the Middle East. His
rise to prominence in the tumultuous arena of twelfth-century Middle
Eastern politics was rapid and he quickly established himself as an
intrepid statesman as well as a formidable military commander of great
skill, but equally a man of honor.
This detailed biography of Saladin, and history of his life and times,
was written by the eminent historian Stanley Lane-Poole, who was able to
access the rich and colorful chronicles of Arab historians, which
provide us with a brilliant insight into the life and deeds of this
warrior-monarch.
Based on a lifetime of study, Saladin and the Fall of Jersusalem
examines Saladin's youth, his military development, his conquest of
Egypt and Syria, the Holy War against the crusaders and, crucially, his
duel with Richard the Lionheart, including the struggle over Acre and,
of course, the fall of Jerusalem.
'Stanley Lane-Poole has rendered valuable service in his different works
by presenting various phases of Oriental history and life in such a way
as to interest even those to whom such subjects are ordinarily a sealed
book'.
The American Historical Review