Few attempts had been made to define 'the crusade' before this book was first published in 1977. Since then, a number of historians have built on Jonathan Riley-Smith's original conclusions. Now in its fourth edition, this classic starting point for the study of the crusading movement has been updated to take into account the latest developments in the field.

What Were the Crusades?

elucidates key ideas and institutions which have been neglected in the past

demonstrates, through the analysis of European campaigns, that the movement was not confined to expeditions launched to recover the Holy Land - or to defend the Christian presence there - and shows that it continued, in one form or another, into the eighteenth century and perhaps beyond

draws attention to the increasing interest of historians in the motivation of crusaders

now includes material on a child crusader and concludes with a short discussion of the current effects of aggressive Pan-Islamism

features a new map illustrating the different theatres of war

Original in its conception, this essential guide is a contribution of major importance to crusading scholarship. In its clear and concise treatment of the issues, it remains an unequalled introduction to the subject for students and general readers alike.