Crusade, Settlement and Historical Writing in the Latin East and Latin West, c. 1100-c.1300

This collection explores the intertwined effects of crusading and settlement on literary cultures in Latin Christendom, examining historical writing from England to the Holy Land during a pivotal medieval period.

Crusade, Settlement and Historical Writing in the Latin East and Latin West, c. 1100-c.1300 explores the intricate relationship between the crusading movements and the literary cultures that emerged in Latin Christendom during the medieval period. This collection emphasizes the significant impact that both the crusades and the settlements established in their wake had on historical writing from the First Crusade in 1096 to the fall of the crusader states in the late 13th century. It highlights how these events generated a wealth of texts that provide valuable insights into the historiographical practices of both the Latin West and East.

The volume challenges the tendency of modern scholarship to separate the study of crusading activities from the histories of the crusader states. It argues that medieval writers viewed these narratives as interconnected, reflecting a shared experience and cultural memory. By fostering a dialogue between these two realms, the essays within the collection examine how various campaigns and settlements were represented and remembered throughout the central Middle Ages.

Covering a broad geographical scope that includes England, France, Germany, southern Italy, and the Holy Land, the essays delve into diverse topics such as gender, emotion, and the natural world, as well as the institutional aspects of crusading. By bringing attention to overlooked sources and methodologies, this work provides a comprehensive understanding of how the dynamics of crusading and settlement shaped the literary landscapes of Latin Christendom during this pivotal era.