About the Author

Malcolm Barber is emeritus professor of history, University of Reading. He lives in Reading, UK.

Reviews

"With its highly readable prose, numerous maps, plans and illustrations of objects and places, Malcolm Barber’s study of the crusader states is an enriching account of the expansion of the political and cultural frontiers of the Latin West in the central Middle Ages. It will doubtless be of value to scholars, students and a much wider audience, intrigued by the challenges and possibilities of state building in the medieval world."—William Purkis, History Today
*History Today*

Selected as a Choice Outstanding Academic Title for 2013 in the Western Europe Category.
*Choice*

"Barber is a highly distinguished scholar, whose touch is continually deft, and he navigates the basis of the main narrative histories with care, never prepared to take allegations and accusations at face value. The result is both genuinely illuminating and highly enjoyable… A fine book, told by a historian whose handling of the ups and downs of the Latin East is a delight to read."—Peter Frankopan, LiteraryReview
*Literary Review *

‘Full of insights drawn from close engagement with the primary sources, Malcolm Barber weaves together complex narrative with sharp analysis to provide a vivid and compelling account of the nature, variety, opportunities and challenges of what proved to be a doomed society. Free from the determinism of hindsight and written with customary control and clarity, this fresh account deserves a wide audience.' - Christopher Tyerman, author of God's War: A New History of the Crusades
*Christopher Tyerman*

'A finely judged blend of narrative and analysis draws upon the latest scholarship to deftly guide the reader through the complexities and contradictions of the history of the crusader states. Barber provides a convincing and engaging picture of the Franks' efforts to meet the enormous challenges in trying to establish their rule over an area of extraordinary religious, cultural and economic diversity.'—Jonathan Phillips, author of Holy Warriors: A Modern History of the Crusades
*Jonathan Phillips*