Saladin

The Sultan Who Vanquished the Crusaders and Built an Islamic Empire

By: John Man

Narrated by: Bruce Mann

In this authoritative biography, historian John Man brings Saladin and his world to life with vivid detail in "a rollicking good story" (Justin Marozzi).

Saladin remains one of the most iconic figures of his age. As the man who united the Arabs and saved Islam from Christian crusaders in the twelfth century, he is the Islamic world's preeminent hero. A ruthless defender of his faith and leader, he possessed qualities that won admiration from his Christian foes.

But Saladin is far more than a historical hero. Builder, literary patron, and theologian, he is a man for all times, and a symbol of hope for an Arab world once again divided. Centuries after his death, in cities from Damascus to Cairo and beyond, Saladin continues to be a potent symbol of religious and military resistance to the West. He is central to Arab memories, sensibilities, and the ideal of a unified Islamic state.

John Man charts Saladin's rise to power, his struggle to unify the warring factions of his faith, and his battles to retake Jerusalem and expel Christian influence from Arab lands. Saladin explores the life and enduring legacy of this champion of Islam while examining his significance for the world today.

©2016 John Man (P)2024 Tantor

Honest Information

I enjoy the honesty about specific facts that cannot be gathered by recorded history. Spaces in the timelines are openly and admittedly unknowns.
Disinformation plagues history, so this element is refreshing.
Some of those spaces leading to Saladin’s rise were supplemented by psychological assessments drawing parallels to how he utilized specific skill sets. This was intriguing and very insightful.

Great book.