This was a well written and informative book. I admit I didn't know much about the subject, but as the world gets smaller, it's increasingly important to educate yourself about other points of view. Definitely recommended, and thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for the chance to read this book.

I was unable to download this book, therefore cannot review it. It only appeared in an odd format, which I could not transfer to my Kindle.

I wasn't able to complete the book before it was Archived/made unavailable. However, I was deeply engrossed by the book and will definitely be looking for a change to finish my reading of it.

A fascinating biography of Saladin that I found well researched and well written i recommend for any history lover.

A scholarly book on one of the most celebrated figures in the Islamic world, the only Muslim ruler to have captured Jerusalem, The Life and Legend of the Sultan Saladin is an enlightening read that traces back to the lives and times of Saladin to his near-ubiquitous popularity even today. With extensive research and engaging narrative, Jonathan Philips digs deeper into the subject of Saladin and his successes (and excesses) and brings out a crucial book, a biography of a man many know very little about. Enjoyed immensely.

Excellent, excellent book. Well researched and a fascinating subject. This is clearly written and informative, I’d highly recommend

The History of Crusades is incomplete without the mention of Saladin. It was Saladin who famously defeated the crusaders in the battle of Hattin and took back Jerusalem in 1187 (which the crusaders could never win back again) and he also played a key role in the 3rd crusade. The Life and Legend of the Sultan Saladin is an engaging biography that offers a new perspective on one of the most influential figures of the Crusades. A fierce warrior and a genius tactician, Saladin was respected by both his fellow Muslims and his Christian rivals alike.

A major part of the book deals with the rise and rule of Saladin. From Saladin's early life; his military career, especially that in Egypt; court life under both Zengi and Nur al-Din to his conquest of Egypt and later the crusader kingdoms in the Middle East including Jerusalem, everything is covered in great detail. Interestingly, this book is not solely focused on the Crusades.

The latter half of the book also explores Saladin’s complicated legacy, His portrayal in the West contrasted with how Saladin has been invoked by modern Muslim leaders ranging from Nasser in Egypt, Assad in Syria, and Saddam Hussein in Iraq. The book also discusses his huge appeal across popular culture in books, drama, and music in the Arab World.

This book has combined extensive research with brilliant storytelling, taking a look at both the triumphs and failures of one of the Crusades’ most unique figures. The book does feel like a hagiography in parts, but that now seems like a norm in most biographies. The book could have provided a brief background of the first crusade to enlighten the readers. But the book does a great job in explaining the political landscape that Saladin was born into and operated within.

Overall, the book is a well-researched and fascinating account of Saladin’s life and his legacy. If you enjoy reading about medieval historical figures, this book will help you learn about the man and the myth of Saladin.

Many thanks to the Yale University Press, the author Jonathan Phillips and NetGalley for the ARC.

I didn’t know much about the Sultan Saladin, and the idea behind the work was enough for me to be interested in reading it, but for me it was a bit much, and have to be in the right mood to properly read through the book.

From what I have read, the work is informative and if you’re not well versed in the historical conflict between the Near East and West, Christianity Vs Muslim faith, the book brings to light that the conflict really continues into modern day as an overhang from the Crusades and the Sultan Saladin is the one whom the Far East look back on as the figure whom was the closest to succeeding in stopping the West from enforcing Christianity and suppression on those whom are not a part of it.

To be perfectly blunt, I could not have cared less whether the chapters on how Saladin's image has been used now were included or not. It is pretty obvious that it is used for the sole purpose of furthering the political agenda of the day of whatever political group has hijacked it. In short, his image is defined by the needs of the multitudes, and bears no resemblance to historical records.

I actually enjoyed the book more for being a detailed biography on the man himself. Medieval politics is a bit of a minefield to negotiate for the uninitiated - and Philips does a sound job in explaining the political landscape that Saladin was born into and operated within.

Philips' book is quite lengthy - it covers all the aspects of Saladin's personal life; his military career, especially that in Egypt; court life under both Zengi and Nur al-Din; political and religious histories of the then Muslim world. It is not solely focused on the Crusades, thought this period did indeed dominate his political and military career. Then, of course, are the chapters on his legacy, and the depictions of Saladin in both the West and the East.

A lot of research has gone into this book, with a plethora of sources worthy of exploring further. In fact, there were quite a few instances where little snippets of information piqued my interest which will result in my own further research.

ENTERTAINING AND ENLIGHTENING 🌟🌟

The Crusades are not something new for me to read about or work with - however, I am used to the European, Christian point of view. This was a very interesting and well written fresh take (for me at least) at the crusades and the counter-crusades.

"In the case of a man of such historical achievements as Saladin it can become an understandable compulsion to read too much into a particular narrative moment."

THE THINGS I LIKED 💛

Relevance: I understand how some people find it difficult to read historical narratives. Sometimes they can seem terribly irrelevant to the modern reader and world. However, Phillips, in this books, does a masterly job of making his subject relevant and important!

Writing: Another reason why historical non-fiction might sometimes be difficult for non-historians to read is the writing. Historians are super clever people (I should know, I have an MA in history) and we want to show off that cleverness. However, sometimes historians bury the interesting things about their subject in too much cleverness, so much so, that it actually becomes impossible to understand. That was not the case here - Phillips writes in a wonderfully down-to-earth and almost conversational language that is enlightening as well as entertaining.

"As with so many of these situations there is a lot of second-guessing as to the agenda of the writer."

Sources: Like I said, I am used to the Christian, Eurocentric sources when it comes to the Crusades. That of course also means that people like Pope Urban II, Bernard of Clairvaux and Richard Lionheart are some of the most prominent characters and William of Tyre is the main source. Here, I really enjoyed that I was introduced to a whole new catalogue of characters and sources that I was unfamiliar with, such as Nur al-Din, Saphadin and Baha al-Din.

A well researched and well written book, fascinating and engrossing.
I've always been fascinated by the Saladin and this book made me discover more about the man and the myth.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

This ARC was courtesy of netgalley - all thoughts and opnions are mine and unbiased

I first came across Saladin whilst studying my degree with the OU

I quickly became fascinated by him but on looking for half decent biographies on him, found none

This, then, came as a pleasant surprise

I absolutely loved this - engrossing, engaging - I became lost in this and found myself slowing down reading it - mostly because I didn't want it to end - I will be rereading for sure - so much information to absorb and process

I loved the way it was written - clearly well researched with evocative storytelling, Mr Phillips draws you in. I got totally lost in it

Cannot recommend highly enough

It is the sort of book I would take on holiday and read but then I am a history geek - I would recommend as a holiday read though appreciate it may not appeal to all - I would say if in doubt, give it a go, you might be surprised