The Leper King and His Heirs: Baldwin IV and the Crusader Kingdom of Jerusalem (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9780521641876)

The reign of King Baldwin IV of Jerusalem (1174-85) has traditionally been seen as a period of decline when, because of the king's illness, power came to be held by those who made the wrong policy decisions. Notably, they ignored the advice of Raymond of Tripoli and attacked Saladin. This book challenges that view, arguing that peace with Saladin was not a viable option; and that the young king, despite suffering from lepromatous leprosy, presided over a society that was (contrary to what is often said) vigorous and self-confident.

Author: Bernard Hamilton
ISBN-10: 052164187X
ISBN-13: 9780521641876
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Language: English
Published: 05/18/2000
Pages: 316
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 1.40lbs
Size: 9.29h x 6.31w x 1.07d

Review Citation(s):
Choice 12/01/2000 pg. 757