Hattin 1187: Saladin's Greatest Victory

by David Nicolle

Book Overview

In 1187, Christian Europe was shaken by events in the Middle East. This volume tells the story of those momentous months - the campaign leading to the Muslim capture of Jerusalem after the disastrous Crusader defeat at Hattin where, in a two day running battle on the waterless plateau between Saffuriya and Tiberias, beneath a burning sun, Saladin's troops destroyed the Christian army. The disaster at Hattin resulted in the collapse of the kingdom...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1855322846
• ISBN13: 9781855322844
• Release Date: January 1993
• Publisher: Osprey Publishing (UK)
• Length: 96 Pages
• Weight: 0.85 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 7.2" x 9.7"

Customer Reviews

A Good Little Account of a 4th of July Battle

All in all, an excellent account of the battle of Hattin and the events leading up to it. The author seems to spend more time on the size, composition, weapons, and organization of the opposing forces than on the actual battle itself. Nevertheless, this is useful information in understanding the events of that fateful 4th of July in 1187. After eventually discussing the battle, the author spends time describing the follow on events that lead to the fall of Jerusalem. In essence, this book covers much more than the battle itself. The results of this battle still echo through history. Also, Saladin is an historic figure who continues to influence the perceptions of modern day Muslims. This book is a good way to obtain a quick understanding of that battle. The chapters are organized in the traditional Osprey style. Also, the maps and illustrations are excellent. Like all Osprey books, it is a short read, coming in at less than a hundred pages. Bottom line: this is a good little book that provides an outstanding description of one of Islam's greatest military commanders and the famous battle that paved the way for the Muslim re-conquest of Jerusalem.

Splendid History

Hattin 1187: Saladin's Greatest Victory (Campaign, No. 19)by David Nicolle is a splendid history not only of the battle, but of the events leading to the destruction of the Crusader Army and eventually to the fall of Jersuleum. It is written using the standard Ospery model, with the difference being a greater emphasis on the events leading to the battle and the aftermath. While like most Ospery books it only covers the basics, Nicolle gives broader insights then are usual. The book is very readable and the maps are first rate. If you are interested in the crusades or the history of the middle east, this book is for you.