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The Crusader Strategy: Defending the Holy Land

Online ISBN:
9780300256291
Print ISBN:
9780300253115
Publisher:
Yale University Press
Book

The Crusader Strategy: Defending the Holy Land

Steve Tibble
Steve Tibble
Royal Holloway, University of London
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Published online:
21 January 2021
Published in print:
29 September 2020
Online ISBN:
9780300256291
Print ISBN:
9780300253115
Publisher:
Yale University Press

Abstract

Medieval states, and particularly crusader societies, often have been considered brutish and culturally isolated. It seems unlikely that they could develop “strategy” in any meaningful sense. However, the crusaders were actually highly organized in their thinking and their decision making was rarely random. This book draws on a rich array of primary sources to reassess events on the ground and patterns of behavior over time. The book shows how, from aggressive castle building to implementing a series of invasions of Egypt, crusader leaders tenaciously pursued long-term plans and devoted single-minded attention to clear strategic goals. Crusader states were permanently on the brink of destruction; resources were scarce and the penalties for failure severe. Intuitive strategic thinking, the book argues, was a necessity, not a luxury.

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