This book by
one of the great 20th century historians of the crusader states is an
invaluable resource. It is divided into two parts. The first “Lords and
Lordships” provides a wealth of information in concise and readable form about
the economy, social and legal structure, and the administration of the crusader
states. The second part, “Constitutional Conflict,” looks at the sophisticated
legal issues surrounding the governing of the kingdom and the school of highly
articulate and respected jurists that evolved original theses on feudal
government. It also provides a
chronology, two genealogical charts, and lists of the regents and lieutenants
of the Kingdom of Jerusalem.
The first
part on Lords and Lordships was particularly valuable because the information
provided is relevant to any study of the crusader states, regardless of focus.
It is, furthermore, a gold mine for a novelist, who needs to be able to describe
everyday life in the Holy Land in this period. The second part is very
legalistic and many readers without a legal background or interest in
constitutional issues of a long-since defunct state may find it tedious. The
conclusion Riley-Smith draws from his own research in two short pages was also
sadly unsatisfying, as it seemed to answer a question that had not been asked,
or at least failed to address many questions that I still had. However, even
this second part shines a needed light on the high levels of education and the
sophisticated reasoning of elites in the crusader states.
In my three part biography of Balian d'Ibelin I endeavor to depict feudal socity in the Kingdom of Jerusalem accurately.
In my three part biography of Balian d'Ibelin I endeavor to depict feudal socity in the Kingdom of Jerusalem accurately.
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