Osprey Men-at-Arms 171 : Saladin and the Saracens

Salah al Din Yusif ibn Ayyub, known to his Muslim contemporaries as al Nasi, 'The Victorious', and to an admiring Europe as Saladin, is the most famous single figure in the history of the Crusades, being even better known outside the English-speaking world than his Christian foe Richard the Lionheart. Traditionally portrayed as a quiet, deeply religious and even humble man, Saladin was a typical product of his day and his culture. This book shows how the societies and military systems that he and his successors led from defeat to eventual triumph were far more sophisticated than is generally realised, and brings vividly to life the history, organisation, arms and armour of Saladin and the Saracens. Text by David Nicolle with illustrations by Angus McBride.

Contents

• Introduction
• Saljuqs and Fatimids
• Saladin and the Ayyubids
• Disaster and Triumph
• Arms and Armour
• The Plates