The First Crusade: "the Chronicle of Fulcher of Chartres" and Other Source Materials

by Edward Peters

Book Overview

The First Crusade received its name and shape late. To its contemporaries, the event was a journey and the men who took part in it pilgrims. Only later were those participants dubbed Crusaders "those signed with the Cross." In fact, many developments with regard to the First Crusade, like the bestowing of the cross and the elaboration of Crusaders' privileges, did not occur until the late twelfth century, almost one hundred years after the event itself.In...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0812210174
• ISBN13: 9780812210170
• Release Date: January 1971
• Publisher: University of Pennsylvania Press
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 0.74 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.2" x 7.9"

Customer Reviews

All around good

Peters has put together a nice compilation of primary material regarding the First Crusade. Snippets are arranged by event, so comparing multiple accounts of the same event is no more difficult than turning the page. Fulcher's text dominates the work, and this edition seems to be the primary choice amongst scholars who cite him. The great achievement of this book is it's price and accessibility. Certain periods of history have texts that are notoriously difficult to acquire cheaply, and having so many together in one cheap little book is very useful. The translations are crisp and clear. Including a number of letters towards the end of the book is also very nice, and provides insight into the minds of the crusaders. Additionally, the introduction is very good. The only reason that this book gets 4 stars is its lack of maps. Students unfamiliar with the region are given no guidance in this area. Would it have really been so hard for the publisher to insert a basic map of the various routes east, listing important places like Ascalon and Dorylaion that aren't on many non-crusade specific maps? There is no reason for any serious student of the crusades to not own this work. It is very cheap and accessible, and there is a great deal of content inside.