The Chronicle of Ibn al-Athir for the Crusading Period from al-Kamil fi'l-Ta'rikh. Part 3 The Years 589-629/1193-1231: The Ayyubids after Saladin and the Mongol Menace

'Richards' translation of the Arabic text is clear and engaging, permitting easy access to the wealth of material provided by Ibn al- Athîr. In its present form, this volume will be welcomed by scholars who work on the crusading period, or are interested in the complex political relationships across the broader Near East during the late twelfth and early thirteenth centuries. The text will also be invaluable for military historians who will find a treasure trove of material concerning warfare. Of particular importance in this context is Ibn al-Athîr's emphasis on the capture and defense of fortifications, and particularly fortified cities, as crucial to territorial conquest. ... The text also can be a valuable addition to undergraduate and graduate courses on the crusades, medieval surveys, and even western and world civilization surveys.' The Medieval Review 'The al-Kamil fi'l-Ta'rikh is a remarkable achievement and the present translation into English is long overdue and most welcome. ... D S Richards' highly readable translation opens up a period of history which had a global impact.' Bulletin of the School of Oriental and African Studies

D.S. Richards is retired as lecturer in Arabic at the Oriental Institute, and is emeritus fellow of St Cross College, University of Oxford, UK.