Status
Available
Call number
Genres
Publication
HarperCollins (2002), Edition: 1, 48 pages
Description
Forty years before the boy was born, a horde of bloodthirsty barbarians thundered out of the west and conquered his native land. They had succeeded because his people, ever at war with one another, had not fought together to defend their cities. In time the boy was destined to become the very leader that was needed, a man with the courage and vision to unite his people and face the most fearsome and brilliant warrior of the age. The time was the twelfth century; the barbarian horde was the armies of the First Crusade; the great warrior was Richard the Lionhearted; and the leader was Saladin. This is more than the other side of a familiar Western story, the Crusades. It is the tale of an extraordinary man, remarkable for his generous and chivalrous ways, a warrior who longed for peace. Courageous in battle and merciful in victory, he would be revered even by his enemies as the "marvel of his time." In her vibrant narrative and magnificently detailed illustrations inspired by the Islamic art of the time, Diane Stanley presents a hero whose compassion, piety, tolerance, and wisdom made him a model for his time -- and for ours.… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member welkinscheek
This biography of Saladin, legendary Islamic leader, is a beautiful presentation of a bloody period of conflict during the Crusades of the 12th century. While the text refers to gruesome events, the author, Diane Stanley, is careful to spare young readers from the gory details. This account is
This true story is captivating, and the full-page illustrations not only illuminate the text, but are probably the book’s greatest strength. The lines, colors, and textures in these paintings evoke the aesthetic of a time long past. While this book is not easy to use for reference, it is a fascinating read from cover to cover.
Show More
obviously well researched, with an extensive bibliography and a glossary of foreign words introduced in the text. Stanley’s praise of her subject and her criticism of his enemies is sometimes a bit heavy handed. It will take a savvy reader to discern that, while Saladin employed more honorable methods than his enemies, both sides were engaged in years of deadly warfare, and both sides believed their cause was just.This true story is captivating, and the full-page illustrations not only illuminate the text, but are probably the book’s greatest strength. The lines, colors, and textures in these paintings evoke the aesthetic of a time long past. While this book is not easy to use for reference, it is a fascinating read from cover to cover.
Show Less
LibraryThing member perihan
Forty years before Saladin was born, his country was invaded by the Franks (Crusaders) and his people were not united against the enemies. Instead, they were fighting with each other for personal gains. Saladin united all Muslim people to defend their lands from the Crusaders. His vision was to
Show More
take the land back and live in peace. He fought with Richard the Lionhearted to gain the control of Jerusalem. While Richard massacred all three thousands of his Muslim captives, Saladin let his captives pay for their freedom. Saladin even allowed Crusaders to travel safely to Jerusalem to make their pilgrimages to holly places. In 1192, a truce was signed and lasted for three years. The Crusaders kept the coastline cities of Tyre to Jaffa, but Jerusalem and the rest of the Muslim lands belonged to the Muslims. Richard left the land, but made it clear that he was to return. He never returned back. Saladin died in 1193 and Richard in 1199. Both men in Christian and Muslim lands were known as courageous and brilliant commanders. Show Less
LibraryThing member kthomp25
Summary:
Stanley presents the life story of one of the greatest Muslim leaders of all times, Yusuf ibn Ayyub (son of Job), who later became known as Salah al-Din, “he who honors the faith.” At age 14, Saladin joined the Sultan’s army and a few years later became the sultan’s chief aide.
In 1191 Richard the Lion-Hearted of England came to fight. Neither side attained a conclusive victory, and a truce was signed in 1192, giving the coastline from Tyre to Jaffe to the Franks, but Jerusalem remained in the hands of the Muslims. Richard never saw the city, and boasted he would return to take back the entire kingdom. Saladin responded in his usual gracious manner by saying if he had to lose his land, he could think of no better opponent than Richard.
Description:
The author does an excellent job of explaining the history and political events that surrounded the holy city of Jerusalem from the time of the Jewish King David through the time when the city was home to Jews, Christians, and Muslims before the Crusaders came and conquered and then divided the city in an author’s note. The book tells the story of Saladin’s life and ability to unite and lead his people sincerely following and living out his faith. The account of the Crusades is presented in a non-western perspective and has plenty of action in the battle scenes. The story is interesting and involves known people such as Richard of England and Guy of Lusignan.
Each page of text is presented in a lavishly decorated borders and with an adjoining full page of detailed illustrations depicting the characters, weapons, dress, and customs of the time. The book concludes with a postscript on the fates of the various characters, a glossary, and a bibliography.
Stanley presents the life story of one of the greatest Muslim leaders of all times, Yusuf ibn Ayyub (son of Job), who later became known as Salah al-Din, “he who honors the faith.” At age 14, Saladin joined the Sultan’s army and a few years later became the sultan’s chief aide.
Show More
Eventually becoming the Sultan himself, he united Muslims to launch a holy war to win back Jerusalem had been held by Crusaders since 1099. Saladin took the city in the year 1187, and showed great mercy to the inhabitants who were allowed to raise a ransom and leave. In 1191 Richard the Lion-Hearted of England came to fight. Neither side attained a conclusive victory, and a truce was signed in 1192, giving the coastline from Tyre to Jaffe to the Franks, but Jerusalem remained in the hands of the Muslims. Richard never saw the city, and boasted he would return to take back the entire kingdom. Saladin responded in his usual gracious manner by saying if he had to lose his land, he could think of no better opponent than Richard.
Description:
The author does an excellent job of explaining the history and political events that surrounded the holy city of Jerusalem from the time of the Jewish King David through the time when the city was home to Jews, Christians, and Muslims before the Crusaders came and conquered and then divided the city in an author’s note. The book tells the story of Saladin’s life and ability to unite and lead his people sincerely following and living out his faith. The account of the Crusades is presented in a non-western perspective and has plenty of action in the battle scenes. The story is interesting and involves known people such as Richard of England and Guy of Lusignan.
Each page of text is presented in a lavishly decorated borders and with an adjoining full page of detailed illustrations depicting the characters, weapons, dress, and customs of the time. The book concludes with a postscript on the fates of the various characters, a glossary, and a bibliography.
Show Less
LibraryThing member BKorfel
This was enjoyable book to read mostly because of the pictures, they are great! I didn't know much about this topic but I am now a little bit more informed. Classroom use: This would be a good book for awareness of other cultures. It is important to learn what else is out there in the world of
Show More
diverse literature. Show Less
LibraryThing member rhoadesm1
Stanley's book is a well written, lavishly illustrated book for elementary aged students. A brief introduction notes that the Holy Land had been recaptured by Crusader armies by 1100. A Kurd born in Tikrit (modern Iraq) and raised in the sultinate of the Turkish warrior Nur al-Din, Saladin devoted
Show More
his life to the struggle against the Crusaders, eventually uniting the Muslims of what is now Syria and largely driving them out of the Holy Land. The book provides an interesting look into a culture that is largely alien to most children in the United States. Saladin would be a good way for a social studies to introduce the idea of intercultural conflict and understanding to late elementary school students. Show Less
Subjects
Awards
Orbis Pictus Award (Recommended Title — 2003)
Notable Children's Book (2003)
Language
Original language
English
Physical description
48 p.; 9.25 inches
ISBN
0688171362 / 9780688171360