1099 Books

I read a great deal of historical fiction and I find that most works can be roughly grouped into two categories: true historical fiction that transports the reader to a different time and place and gives insights into the way life may have been, and the kind of "historical fiction," in which the time and place are merely a backdrop for some sort of hackneyed soap opera. Happily, "The Queen of Swords" falls into the first category. Judith Tarr does an exquisite job of creating the Crusader world, and brings to life a cast of charecters who are true to their era, meaning they don't act and think as if they were somehow parachuted into the 12th century from our own, but are still recognizable as complex, nuanced human beings whose struggles and triumphs resonate with the reader. Richildis, her family, and friends all remain with you long after you have finished the book. I second the motion for a sequel so that we can find out what happens to them all! I would also like to add that I live where many of the book's events transpire and I found Judith Tarr's descriptions of the weather, seasons, and scenery to be beautifully accurate. I highly recommend this book.

I enjoyed this novel very much.

Ms Tarr gives us some beautiful heroines and some gallant heroes.

The story is well written, and the characters well drawn. I became so caught up in the story that I found I was paying no attention to the historical backdrop at all.

Still, one cannot do justice to the novel by ignoring the period in which it is set: the Middle East in the 12th century at a time when crusades were being waged over the Holy Land.

I picked this novel up for some escapist reading and immediately became caught up in the fortunes of Richildis and her brother, of Melisende, of Helena, and of Michael. Rarely does a novel provide so many interesting characters to choose from.

While I'm motivated to learn more of the history, I've not yet had an opportunity to do so.

Highly recommended.

Jennifer Cameron-Smith

This story of a rather atypical medieval family more than pleasantly surprised me, as I bought it on a whim. The detail is excellent, but not too overdone as to overpower the plot. Tarr also paid close attention to her characters' evolution over time. As this book occurs over a 20+ year time period, we see Baldwin and Arslan turn from infants, to mischevious boys, to knights of a warrior kingdom; Lady Richildis metamorphisizes from cold, practical young widow to earnest, loving mother and wife, yet still steadfast in her servance to Melisende. With exception of, perhaps, slightly more description of Michael Bryennius and perhaps Helena (secondary characters, yet most fascinating), this books misses absolutely nothing. A must read for those who are curious about life in the medieval age, particularly the Crusader Kingdom.

This novel is set against the background of the Crusader Kingdom in the twelfth century. It follows two women who - though very different from each other - are both extraordinary for their times. Melisende, first princess then queen of Jerusalem, has the makings of a great king, but is trapped in a woman's body and therefore always dependent on a man (father, husband, then son) in order to exercise her power. Her ambition is only surpassed by her ingenuity in finding ways to rule despite her being a woman. Richildis is a young widow who comes to Jerusalem in order to find her brother and bring him back to France to take over the family's estate. He proves unwilling to return with her and Richildis, having sworn an oath to stay until he relents, finds herself trapped in a foreign land, attendant to Melisende.

The plot itself is driven more by its characters (above all, Melisende and Richildis) than by action sequences. If you are looking for a past-paced, action-filled adventure, you're in the wrong place. Although there are battles and wars, they only serve to establish the background against which the characters are developed. Nevertheless the book is a page-turner. Tarr does a wonderful job of drawing you into the world she creates, and you find yourself genuinely caring for her characters and their lives. Having read some of her other books, I believe this is probably her strongest point as an author. Even her secondary characters (such as Michael, the Byzantine nobleman who falls in love with Richildis, and Helena, the former Courtesan, who becomes her friend) come to life on the pages.

The writing is simple, yet beautiful. There is enough detail to help you imagine the extraordinary background of Jerusalem with its Eastern flair, the romantic knights of the Crusade, the proud Turks and Saracens; yet it is not overwhelming, leaving enough room for your own imagination.

Overall this is great historical fiction that is definitely worth reading.

Anika Leithner

I was very positively surprised when I started reading this book. I had never read anything from this author before and I was imediately immersed in the story.

The story, though based on the life of Melisende, the first daughter of King Baldwin of Jerusalem, has enough fiction to make it easily readable and very captivating.

The author has been able to recreate the romantic atmosphere of the times, with Knights fighting for the "true" religion and
women who had the courage and character to be true Kings, but could not for their sex.

All characters are so vividly described, you cannot but feel you know them and want to find out what happens to them. The places are very well described and feel as real and ancient as they are.

All in all, a very good book and very enjoyable.

This book (The Patient Nurse) and The Case of The Mesmerizing Boss, are my favorite Diana Palmer books, and I've read them all! Don't miss out on this one.

Ms. Palmer usually writes about cowboys, millionaires, or private investigators. This time she ventures into the medical field, giving an edge to the type of book that Betty Neels is famous for. And, as usual, she scores a bulls-eye! Although a failure to communicate is behind the misunderstanding between the heroine and hero, it is well-thought out. If I were accused of being responsible for another's death for two long years, I wouldn't be inclined to try once again to tell the truth. Palmer's heroine is broken, both in spirit and body. Her hero must heal himself before he can heal her. Lovely and engrossing, I stayed up all night to finish this book!

This is one of Diana Palmer's best. I've read almost all her books and this is a favorite. A must read. It has characters that you can relate to. A great book and one of her best works.

I always love to read Ms. Palmer's works. But this one is a real hit. I recommend "the Patient Nurse" to every romance reader. You won't be dissapointed!

I couldn't put the book down. You could actually feel the pain, anguish and longing that the "Patient Nurse" was feeling. The chemistry between the hero and the heroine was very tangible. I highly recommend this book to everyone, especially to first time Palmer readers.

Fiona Brand is really great! She's one of my new favorites. She makes you fall for the hero and sympathize with the heroine. She's also one of the most sensuous writers I've found in the Silhoutte line.

The plot of this story is not that origional - rich girl in danger falls in love with body guard - if you've read much romance you're familiar with that one. Fiona Brand just did such a good job that this was really a great story.

I LOVED this book! Fiona Brand is a talented writer and her heroes are in a class of their own. Romantic, brooding, protective and so SEXY they sizzle off the pages of her books! I liked how the characters in this book tied to characters in all her other books, it was really great seeing how all the previous happily-ever-afters turned out. I can see how some reviewers might be lost with the backstory, but I've read all her books and already knew the running thread tying the stories together. If you're lost hunt down those previous books--they're more than worth the time! Many authors out there can technically craft a well-written book, but Fiona Brand is one of the few romance writers who can create characters, particularly heroes, with such style they linger long after that wonderful last page. She's definitely a writer for that "keeper shelf!"

Roma Lombard is the younger sister of Ben McCabe's best friends, Gray and Blade(Heart of Midnight and Blade's Lady) Lombard. When Roma is shot at Gray asks Ben to protect her. Neither expect the instant attraction between them. This book was wonderful. Sexy scenes, a hunky hero, and an independant heroine. Marry McCabe was actually the first book I read by Fiona Brand and I loved it so much I rushed out and ordered the others from this series. They were all great. She reminds me of Linda Howard's early works(Mackenzie's come to mind)and Suzanne Brockmann's TDD series. I will be anxiously awaiting more books from this author!!! Way to go Fiona!!

After the shooting, Roma rushed to save her friend's life, all to aware of her vulnerability as she kneels beside his body. While the threat of violence is no novelty, never has she been left feeling so powerless. She knows that safety is only an illusion. Her family's wealth, high media profile, and business connections insure danger. Indeed, living years under siege has molded Roma into a formidable woman. A crack shot and fiercely independent, she also respects danger. Yet, Roma desires ordinary. She wants an ordinary life with an ordinary family and ordinary goals. Single father Ben, her new bodyguard, represents everything she wants but her social position denies.
Hotshot security consultant Ben McCabe accepts the job simply because his friend called in a favor. Gray's baby sister needs babysitting after the attempt on her life. Ben's already had a crash course in rich and spoiled and doesn't wish to repeat it. But Roma isn't what he expected; in fact, she's an enigma, which still means trouble. The second he sees Roma, Ben feels off balance. This woman has uncharted depths; surprisingly, he wants to explore them all. But he must pose as her boyfriend, an intimate relationship that draws him even closer than marriage might, to protect her life. Emotions and attraction must take a back seat to business.
Set in New Zealand, MARRYING MCCABE by Fiona Brand presents first class danger. Unfortunately, the heroine's scars occur long before the time frame of the book, leaving the reader outside of much of the action. While the vivid descriptions recreate the painful memories well, so much description goes into the past that the reader can't help but wish the novel had been much longer and written to include the past in a more fluid manner. Despite this weakness, this reviewer truly enjoyed this passionate, strong heroine who can shoot, lend first aid, and still move in the best of circles. The sexy, protective hero doesn't overshadow her own strengths, lending the book an unusual strength in a genre too dependent on weak heroines. Recommended.

Fiona Brand is a New Zealand author that writes for Silhouette Intimate Moments line and she is fast becoming one of my favorite authors. She writes about men that are alphas similar to that of Linda Howard and her latest is no exception.
Ben McCabe used to work for Special Air Service, an elite security team. He is entrusted with guarding the sister of two of his best friends from that team. He figures the sister, Roma Lombard, to be a spoiled rich brat. He soon learns his mistake and also finds himself attracted to her.
Roma Lombard is no wimpy female. Someone is taking shots at her and she knows how to fight back and feels she doesn't need a bodyguard. But like Ben, she has an intense attraction that soon explodes in lust.

Their love scenes sizzle (I would rate this book as highly sensual for a series book) and as a couple, they have that spark that makes you want to root for them to live happily ever after. The action and suspense is gripping. From the moment I picked it up, I could not put it down. I loved this story and cannot wait for the next story from Fiona Brand.

Though the entire series is great.... I have to say that Golden palaces is definitely my absolute favorite. I think I have read it more than 3 times! It's exciting and the chemistry between Tancred and Helena is neat to see. YOU MUST READ THIS BOOK! The Byzantine era is rarely wrote about if ever, by christian authors. But... it's an extremely facinating time in history and Linda Chaikin portrays it beautifully. The crusades, early Christianity, and Byzantine intrigue are all components of this great book. and don't forget unforgettable characters! Obviously Tancred is a hunk. I can only hope there's some like him still around. probably not, but I can dream right? You'll definitely enjoy this book, series, and author. GREAT book!

"Golden Palaces" (sequel to "Swords and Scimitars")is a book that won't disappoint you! This is historical fiction at its best! Tancred Jehan Redwan is in 1097 Constantinople amid the crusaders whose aim is to take Jerusalem from the Seljuk Turks. Tancred's heart is not in the crusade but he finds himself caught up in it despite his will and also gets involved with Helena Lysander, the beautiful Daughter of the Purple Belt who is being given in marriage to a Moslem prince another cousin of his. Tancred also searches for the assassin who killed his brother Derek. Helena is searching for her mother Adrianna who was banished from Constantinople by her aunt Irene and is believed to be in Jerusalem. She turns to the man she has wanted to marry for so long but Philip Lysander sees his opportunity to become emperor and sacrifices Helena for it. Helena then has no choice but to turn to Tancred who is the only one who could help her find her mother and elude the marriage. Will Tancred and Helena be able to evade her aunt's plots and schemes? Nicholas Lysander, Helena's maverick bishop-warrior uncle and godfather of Tancred entrusts Helena to Tancred's care. He had once loved Irene before she turned corrupted and was banished himself from Constantinople. Informed by his niece that Adrianna is still alive and possibly held captive by a sultan, he returns to Constantinople in the company of Bohemond's crusaders and confronts his past with Irene and his sworn enemy,the corrupted bishop,Constantine. This a great plot that moves smoothly along and never gets boring. You must read this book yourself if you do not understand my review! I strongly recommend this book for an thrilling and enjoyable read!

It is a good read that you won't want to put down. After you figure out all the characters you will enjoy this book. You will follow Helena and Tancred as they search for true love. I can't wait to read the next one!

The most romantic Christian Fiction I've ever read. Please don't pass this one by!

Dannah, courageously challenges every woman to honestly examine their heart while she reveals Biblical truths that bring hope and passion back into their lives, setting the shame free that holds us hostage.

Because of Dannah's willingness to be so open with her own life, she has encouraged me through her book "The Secret of the Lord" to step out in faith and dare to unmask the real woman God desires me to be.

Teresa Coelho
Founder of Power of Modesty
1 Timothy 4:12

I loved this book! It's a fast read, but one that you'll want to come back to over and over again. Dannah's writing is very real. She's taken a simple verse and applied it to all of us in a fresh, new way.

This book clashes with cultural norms of busyness, selfishness and shallow hello's. Dannah sets the pace by being vulnerable and sharing Biblical wisdom that inspires the reader to prioritize authentic relationships with other women in the Church. She encourages us to pursue the mission that God has planned for us.
Dannah's writing is effortless and her wisdom is attractive. Even though I wanted to read right through the book, taking the time to write out the answer to each "It's Your Turn" section became a way for me to discover why God was having me read the book! He showed me a part of my life mission and revealed qualities in me - that I had overlooked - that He wants to use for His glory.
This book applies to all Christian women, regardless of age, denomination, and background. It's an effective personal experience and would be a powerful group book study.
I'm deeply grateful to Dannah for writing this book. You will be, too.

I am only part way thru this book but what a time with God I am having as He continues to open up more to me about me, who I am, and why He has made me this way and some of His purpose for me, my life. As I be more honest before the Lord, He fills me with more of Him, His purpose, His plans. The Lord has brought more healing to my heart since I started reading AND journaling w/this book! Thank you!

Tom Harper again has balanced history with fiction creating a novel both interesting and captivating. More, please....

In 1098, the surviving feel their sacrifices were worth it as the Crusaders see the end in sight with the conquest of Jerusalem coming soon. However while some remain wary and weary from all the bloodshed, the leaders of the various Christian armies show their true colors of pride and vainglory as each competes with one other to be the first inside the holy city.

Greek Demetrious Askiates is tired of the destruction, deaths, and atrocities like the spread of the plague in Antioch he has witnessed from both sides of the religious war. He wants to go home to Constantinople, but remains committed to serving the Byzantine emperor even when he is disappointed with being sent to Egypt to negotiate with the Fatimids to obtain their support against the Turks.

The final entry in Tom Harper's excellent First Crusade trilogy (see THE MOSAIC OF SHADOWS and KNIGHTS OF THE CROSS) is an incredible eleventh century thriller as the star Demetrious is not solving a murder, but instead trying to keep from being killed. His trek from the Holy Land into Egypt brings the period of the First crusade vividly alive to his grateful audience as few if any novels in recent memory have.

Harriet Klausner

Siege of Heaven is the climatic ending to one of the greatest 1st trilogies of our time. The story continues with our hero, Demetris Askiates; a Byzantium citizen, off with the crusades, and an eye of a detective. We first met Demetrios in Mr. Harper's first novel: The Mosaic of Shadows. Demetrios is thrust into conspiracy, hatred, after a failed attempt on the Emperors life. Demetrios must find the assassin before it is too late, all while a barbarian army is marching on the gates of the great city of Constantinople.

The 2nd novel takes place 2 years later, in 1098, at the siege of Antioch. Once the "port to the east," this city was the trade and financial city of its time. While Jerusalem held the holy spiritual signifance of people, the same could be said for Antioch, except for physical wealth. One night, while Demetrios is out, a boy comes crashing down a hill to say his master, a great knight, has been slain. This Knight was employed by Bohemond. Page by page, we read as Demetrios gains the trust of the princes of the great Frankish army, 8 months sieging of Antioch, while the greatest army of the Muslims is marching on them. Will they finally take the city, and Demetrios from the killers?

The 3rd novel takes place right where the last book, Knights of the Cross, left off, with the fall of Antioch. Reading Mr. Harpers description of the times, the hardships, losing nearly 1/2 the army to starvation, desease and fighting is gripping. Setting off from Antioch, Demetrios is attached to a great dignatary from Constantinople, whom is sent to Egypt to try to make some peace and alliance with the Caliph. Read as Demetrios meets new people from all skins and backgrounds, from the great pyramids themselves, to betrayl and hardships, all the way to the gates and the great temple of Solomon itself in Jerusalem.

This novel was by the best of the series. It was gripping, detailed, informative, but not wordy and "non-fictional." During the middle of the book, it can feel as though it is being "dragged" on while we wait for the enevitable attack on Jerusalem, however, it is an extremely important part of the book with Peter Bartemelu, as he gains the trust of the pilgrims, and the power from the princes. Mr. Harper makes a fine note of this himself at the end of the book, saying that not much happened while the princes waited and debated and fought amongst themselves for 8 months between Antioch and Jeruselm, a mere 40 miles!

You will not be wrong or bored in any way reading this book. The finale of an incredible series! Won't be disappointed.

Tom Harper is a pseudonym of Edwin Thomas who grew up in West Germany, Belgium and America before returning to England to study history at Oxford university. Siege of Heaven is an extremely powerful novel of holy war and the savagery that comes with it. It is also about intrigue and sacrifice and is a must read for anyone interested in the period of history that encompasses the 11th century. It is about a period of history that I enjoy reading about very much, but even if I am slightly biased I believe that the book is a really good read for anyone interested in historical murder mysteries.

The year is 1098, the crusaders are secure in Antioch, but not without suffering great hardship and loss of men. They have defeated and destroyed Kerbogha's army, but the climate is taking almost as many men as the fighting and internal quarrels consume the princes, Raymond and Bohemond are constantly at one anothers throats over who should have what from the conquered city and with Adhemar dead there is no one to keep the peace . . .

Demetrios Askiates yearns for his family, but the only way home is through the holy city of Jerusalem. However with the princes deadlocked Demetrios enlists the help of Peter Bartholomew, the visionary priest and finder of the holy lance. When Peter rouses the peasants who form the bulk of the crusaders, the princes are forced to listen and the crusade can at last set out.

A year after the capture of Antioch the crusaders at last reach the holy city of Jerusalem and after a vicious onslaught the city at last falls. Demetrios must find his family before the crusaders violence and bloodshed overwhelm them all . . .

This is the tale of an epic quest of El Cid, the Spanish war hero!

El Cid begins his life's journey as the nouveau riche aristocrat, Don Rodrigo de Vivar. He is constantly snubbed by the other aristocratic families, despite being the King's greatest knight, for you see, his family was only knighted a generation before! Finally after enduring floods of insults, Don Rodrigo reaches the limits of his patience and tugs upon a rival's beard. This unseemly behavior, so tame by today's standards, dooms the Don to exile in the land of the Godless Moors. There, the epic takes off as the Don becomes known as El Cid (the Lord) after conquering the Moorish regions for the King of Castile (his approach to trying to escape his sentence of exile). A must read! (Search carefully for this book as it is out of print and is often costly, tho it need not be so.)

The book is a gem! El Cid begins his life's journey as the nouveau riche aristocrat -- Don Rodrigo de Vivar. At first, he is constantly snubbed by the older aristocratic families of Castile, despite being the King's best knight, for you see, his family was only knighted a generation before.
Finally in a fit of controlled rage, he responds to the numerous insults of a rival by tugging upon the rival's beard. This unseemly behavior, so understated by today's standards, gets him banished to the land of the Godless Moors. There the epic takes off as he conquers the Moorish regions of Spain in order to regain his standing with the King. A must read!!(But look for it on other websites - it's cheaper!)

The old man of the mountain, Sinan, king of assassins, was defeated and killed, but Hell itself cannot hold him. Sinan is raising new armies against the crusader kingdom of Jerusalem, and his magic seems stronger than ever. King Richard the Lion Hearted sees his knights vanish and knows he needs to march out to battle, but he knows he is no mage--and Sinan can only be defeated by a magic more powerful than anyone has seen in two thousand years.

When Sinan captures her daughter, Siomed, half-sister to Richard, nearly goes crazy. Her husband and her friends call her back to reality. No matter how powerful her magic, she can't simply strike back. Sinan will absorb her power and turn it against those she loves. They need a tool--and in Jerusalem, the ultimate tool is the lost Arc of the Covanent. But the Arc has been lost for two thousand years and, even if it is found, only a few oppressed Jews know how to work its magic.

Author Judith Tarr paints a wonderful picture of an alternate history where magic is real, where Richard found a compromise in his crusade and built a crusader nation that welcomes people of many faiths, and where Christian, Jewish, Moslem, and pagan magicians strive in the perpetual battle against evil. Tarr's skillful use of the danger to Siomed's children increases the story's emotional intensity as does the growing affection between Mustafa and Giuliano. I also appreciated the sensitive way Tarr handled the cultural differences amongst her protagonists--using it to strengthen the story rather than glossing over it.

HOUSE OF WAR is a sequel to DEVIL'S BARGAIN and is, if anything, an even stronger work. This is alternate history fantasy at its best.

On an Earth that never was but might have been, Richard the Lion-Hearted never died while battling for control of Jerusalem. He went on to defeat Saladin and with the help of his half-sister Sioned he took away the precious Seal of Solomon from Sinan, the old man of the mountain. He was crowned king of Jerusalem and for over a decade he has reigned over the city he has come to love.

Although he is reluctant to leave, Richard I is ready to return to England to thwart his brother's plan to take the throne. However, Sinan returns more powerful than ever, eager to take his revenge on everyone who opposed him a decade ago. He kidnaps Sioned's daughter, captures one of Richard's castles, and lays siege to another. Sioned and her husband the Sultan of Egypt persuades Richard that the only weapon that could defeat their enemy is the Ark if they can find it.

Change the output of one pivotal event in history the way Judith Tarr has so brilliantly done and the outcome is a world that is completely different than the history books. Richard is presented as a noble warrior king willing to heed the advice of the people he trust but the star of HOUSE OF WAR is his baseborn sister Sioned, a powerful mage who has the wisdom and courage of Boudacia and Cleopatra. Fans of alternate history and fantasy will love this enthralling novel.

On an Earth that never was but might have been, Richard the Lion-Hearted never died while battling against the infidels for control of Jerusalem. He went on to defeat Saladin and with the help of his half-sister Sioned he took away the precious Seal of Solomon from Sinan, the old man of the mountain. He was crowned king of Jerusalem and for over a decade he has reigned over the city he has come to love.

Although he is reluctant to leave, Richard I is ready to return to England to thwart his brother's plan to take the throne. However, Sinan returns more powerful than ever, eager to take his revenge on everyone who opposed him a decade ago. He kidnaps Sioned's daughter, captures one of Richard's castles, and lays siege to another. Sioned and her husband the Sultan of Egypt persuades Richard that the only weapon that could defeat their enemy is the Ark if they can find it.

Change the output of one pivotal event in history the way Judith Tarr has so brilliantly done and the outcome is a world that is completely different than the history books. Richard is presented as a noble warrior king willing to heed the advice of the people he trust but the star of HOUSE OF WAR is his baseborn sister Sioned, a powerful mage who has the wisdom and courage of Boudacia and Cleopatra. Fans of alternate history and fantasy will love this enthralling novel.

Harriet Klausner

Written by the late British historian Stanley Lane-Pools (1854-1931), Saladin: All-powerful Sultan And The Uniter Of Islam is an informed and informative biography of the great warrior, statesman, and faithful believer in Islam, Salah ad-Din ibn Ayyub, more commonly known as Saladin (A.D. 1138-1193). From his early years in a Kurdish military family to the beginning of his military service at age fourteen, to his conquest of Jerusalem marked by an unprecedentedly humane treatment of the citizens within, to his belief and application of civilized justice, Saladin: All-powerful Sultan And The Uniter Of Islam is the life story of a truly unique leader who deservedly earned his legendary status both in the West as well as throughout Islam.

I really enjoyed reading this book. It is a facsinating story of a great warrior who fought for his country. I can recommend this book to anyone interested in the histroty of the muslim world.

Stanley Lane-Poole's biography of Saladin was published in 1898 but remains the best source of information about the sultan. The author has done his research consulting Christian and Muslim contemporary sources - some of which he quotes from - and conveys Saladin's life in beautiful prose. An excellent example is the following except concerning Crusader ambassadors given the unique privilege of seeing the Fatimid Caliph of Egypt.

"They were led by mysterious corridors and through guarded doors, where stalwart Sudanis saluted with naked swords. They reached a spacious court, open to the sky, and surrounded by arcades resting on marble pillars; the paneled ceilings were carved and inlaid in gold and colours; the pavement was rich mosaic. The unaccustomed eyes of the rude knights opened wide with wonder at the taste and refinement that met them at every step; - here they saw marble fountains, birds of many notes and wondrous plumage, strangers to the western world..."

Mr. Lane-Poole provides an invaluable look at the world of Saladin giving us the history of the Seljuk Turks and the First Crusade, and the life of Saladin is presented with no information lacking and with a critical eye for his subject. The struggle between Christians and Muslims is well presented and we are given completed accounts of the Third Crusade from both sides. The book is illustrated with many photographs, maps and drawings; it also includes a list of the principle contemporary historians of the period.
I wanted to know more about Saladin having seen the film Kingdom of Heaven, and this book was perfect.

Middle East scholars have lauded "A History of Palestine, 634-1099" as the most comprehensive historiography of Palestine from the initial Arab Muslim conquests, until the arrival of the Crusaders in 1099. Remarkably, despite the constraints of academic annotation, and the uncertainties of translation (i.e., from Hebrew to English), Professor Gil's narrative is eminently readable for the non-professional student of history. Through the clear, dispassionate presentation of a rich profusion of data, he captures the stark, unromantic reality of Muslim ruled Palestine during this 465-year period.

Professor Gil begins with a survey of events before the Arab Muslim invasion. He also notes the singular centrality that Palestine occupied in the mind of its pre-Islamic Jewish inhabitants, who referred to the land as "al-Sham". Indeed, as Gil observes, the sizable Jewish population in Palestine (who formed a majority of its inhabitants, when grouped with the Samaritans) at the dawn of the Arab Muslim conquest were "..the direct descendants of the generations of Jews who had lived there since the days of Joshua bin Nun, in other words for some 2000 years..". The 465-year period carefully surveyed by Gil comprises the following stages: the Arab Muslim conquest and establishment, from 634 to 661; the Umayyad-Damascene rule, from 661 until 750; the Abbasid-Baghdadian rule, from 750 through 878; Turco-Egyptian rule- Tulunids and Ikshidids- from 878 until 970- "interrupted" by Abbasid-Baghdadian rule again, between 905 and 930; nearly two generations of war including numerous participants, the dominant party being the Fatimids, from 970 through 1030; just over 40-years of Fatimid-Egyptian rule, between 1030 and 1071; and a generation of Turkish rule encompassing most of Palestine, from 1071 until 1099.

Gil offers a particularly revealing assessment of dhimmitude (i.e., the regulations imposed on the non-Muslims vanquished by jihad), and its adverse impact on these conquered, indigenous peoples, in chapter 3 pages, pages 139 to 161. For example, excessive, arbitrarily imposed taxation in the first quarter of the 11th century lead to the destitution, imprisonment, torture, and death of many Jews living in Jerusalem. However, the clearest outward manifestations of this imposed inferiority and humiliation were the prohibitions regarding dhimmi dress "codes", and the demands that distinguishing signs be placed on the entrances of dhimmi houses. During the Abbasid caliphates of Harun al-Rashid (786-809) and al-Mutawwakil (847-861), Jews and Christians were required to wear yellow ( as patches attached to their garments, or hats). Later, to differentiate further between Christians and Jews, the Christians were required to wear blue. Finally, in 850, consistent with Koranic verses and hadith (sayings attributed to the Prophet Muhammad) associating them with Satan and Hell, al-Mutawwakil decreed that Jews and Christians attach wooden images of devils to the doors of their homes to distinguish them from the homes of Muslims.

Near the end of his extensive, scrupulously documented presentation, Gil offers this sobering assessment: "..These facts do not call for much interpretation; together they simply form a picture of almost unceasing insecurity, of endless rebellions and wars, of upheavals and instability..".

The reader is provided with what can only be described as a scrupulously documented and indispensable reference, that is a must read for any individual interested in a complete history of Palestine - especially in relation to the period dating from the Muslim conquest until that of the Crusaders.

Drawing on many historic Muslim, Christian and Jewish sources/texts/references, this study proceeds to reveal how the Muslim conquest of Palestine began before the death of Muhammad and how it subsequently subdued the population of Jews and Christians.

For the purposes of a review, it is impossible to refer to all the issues covered in a study of this depth and magnitude that spans nearly 1,000 pages, so for those interested I shall select only a few.

Early in this work, brief reference is provided to the events surrounding the Jewish revolt against Roman rule which culminated in 135AD with the "Diaspora", the renaming of the Jewish homeland as Syria Palestina (eventually anglicised into `Palestine') and the renaming of Jerusalem to Aelia Capitolina..

The book documents how the period AD135 until AD638 saw the enforced separation of the Jews from Jerusalem and their most Holy site. Reference also being made to how this purportedly formed the integral basis of the convictions held by the "early Church Fathers" which resulted in so much anti-Semitism (hatred of the Jews).

At the time of the Muslim conquest the book illustrates how, despite the Diaspora, the majority of the population was indeed Jewish who referred to the Land as al-Sham (the Samaritans also being inclusive in this majority). The Jewish population itself is shown in this work, to not only be "survivors from the revolt against the Romans", but also to consist of the "direct descendants" of the generations of Jews who had lived there since the days of Joshua bin Nun.

In other words, a continual Jewish presence spanning some 2,000 years prior to the Islamic conquest.

The book also illustrates how the Jewish connection with the Temple Mount , Moses, David and Solomon was present in the minds of the Muslims during the conquests and that the prior injunction preventing Jewish access to Jerusalem and the Temple Mount (which had been used as a rubbish dump) was even initially revoked by the Muslims. Having said this, the book refers to some conflicting/contradictory information in relation to these issues.

The Muslim conquest of Palestine is described as opening an entirely "new page" in Palestine's history, amid a period that is shown to witness almost "unceasing warfare". The study stressing that the goal during the initial phases of the Islamic invasion of Palestine was to compel the nomadic tribes around the border to accept Islam and consolidate around Muhammad. The study citing numerous campaigns that are described as being "cruel" and accompanied by "rebuke and chastisement".

The reader is provided with references throughout. Having access to such detailed historical credentials it is difficult to weigh any Arab/Islamic/Palestinian claim to this land against that of the Jews who preceded them. The land being shown in this study to have been systematically and violently "de-populated" through Jihads, and then re-populated with Muslims/Arabs etc.. The Jewish and Christian populations described herein shown to have been subjected to the regulations imposed on the non-Muslims that were "vanquished" by jihad ("holy war") during which many Churches and Synagogues are cited as having been destroying by the invading tribes.

Indeed, the book provides some attention to the aforementioned "dhimmi" status afforded the non-Muslims and the adverse affects imposed upon their lives.

Amongst the outward manifestations detailed herein that are described as portraying the purported inferiority and humiliation suffered by non-Muslims, is the enforced wearing of distinguishing yellow marks by Jews and blue by Christians. The reader is provided with an ominous foretaste of what awaited the Jews in the 20th Century during the Holocaust.

The book culminates in the effects upon the population of Palestine, including the slaughter of the Jews, during the ensuing "Crusades".

Might I also respectfully recommend the following books to anyone interested in a detailed history pertaining to the region.

"Empires Of The Sands; The Struggle for Mastery in the Middle East, 1789 - 1923" by Inari & Efraim Karsh.
"From Time Immemorial; The Origins of the Arab - Jewish Conflict Over Palestine" by Joan Peters.
"A Peace To End All Peace; The Inside Story of the Fight for Middle East Peace" by David Fromkin.
"The Palestine War 1948" by Efraim Karsh.

Thank you for your time.