Saladin

April 1, 2016

Although little is known of Saladin's early life, historian and prolific author Man (Marco Polo) skillfully sets the scene in describing the tumultuous world in which Saladin (1138-93) came of age. His rise to power began when he was appointed vizier of Egypt under his mentor, Nur al-Din. Saladin's career ascended after al-Din's death; eventually, he would unite the Muslim Middle East and reconquer Jerusalem and other Holy Land sites from the Franks. Throughout his reign, Saladin effectively faced challenges from the Christian Crusaders and from within Islam itself. Man presents Saladin as an intelligent, tactful leader who employed both a soft and hard approach to achieve his aims. He could be generous or ruthless, depending on the circumstances. At times, Saladin used force against an adversary, in other instances, persuasion. His methods worked, as he ultimately became one of the most beloved sultans in history. Man's narrative is well written and immensely entertaining. Moreover, the author introduces the reader to other fascinating characters along the way, such as Hassan i-Sabbah (leader of the Assassins), the villainous Reynaud de Chatillon, and Baldwin IV (the Leper King). VERDICT This book will appeal to anyone interested in the Crusades or medieval history. An excellent addition to a public or academic library.--Dave Pugl, Ela Area P.L., Lake Zurich, IL

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