The New Concise History of the Crusades

Critical Issues in World and International History

By: Thomas F. Madden

Narrated by: Claton Butcher

How have the crusades contributed to Islamist rage and terrorism today? Were the crusades the Christian equivalent of modern jihad? In this sweeping yet crisp history, Thomas F. Madden offers a brilliant and compelling narrative of the crusades and their contemporary relevance. Placing all the major crusades within their medieval social, economic, religious, and intellectual environments, Madden explores the uniquely medieval world that led untold thousands to leave their homes, family, and friends to march in Christ's name to distant lands. From Palestine and Europe's farthest reaches, each crusade is recounted in clear, concise narrative. The author gives special attention as well to the crusades' effects on the Islamic world and the Christian Byzantine East.

©2006 Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc. (P)2014 Redwood Audiobooks

Critic reviews

“In crystal-clear and economical prose, Madden does a superb job of exposition. As an introduction to the vast literature of the crusades, this is a jewel of a book.” ( Washington Post Book World)

“Readers will owe Thomas Madden warm thanks for so clear an introductory account of so complex a phenomenon as a crusade.” ( The Historian)

great historical information - bad performance

excellent information on the crusades but needs a proper voice actor - the presenter sounds like a computer generated voice - personally that is very distracting

Well done!

An unbiased history. It was easy to see the truth, the politics, greed, and desire for power behind it all. No fluff, no glory, just man being as full of his desires and ego as always.
I enjoyed this work very much. Its a broad summary which plays out through a large length of time in one condensed book.
The narration was very clear and pleasant. In my opinion narrating a book of this type is not easy but the narrator did a superb job.
*This is my unbiased review via a promotional copy.

Speed 1.5x or faster much better than normal speed

Any additional comments?

At normal speed, it is almost intolerably plodding. At faster speeds, it is much, much better. I've listened to many Audible books, but never felt this way before.

Fine book, ruined by bizarre narration

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

No. The content is excellent but the narrator is so annoying I couldn't recommend it.

How could the performance have been better?

If the narrator would stick to English. He apparently thinks that it helps for him to attempt to pronounce many, but not all, words of non-English origin in some kind of simulacrum of their original sound. This is mostly true of personal and place names. It is deeply deeply deeply annoying. It does less than zero for the narrative flow and comes across as amateurish posturing. I almost returned the book because of it. Awful.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No. It's a history book.

Any additional comments?

Madden's work is very good. His book on Venice was outstanding. And he is the rare historian without a viciously self-hating bias against the West. Too bad his work was stuck with this crazy-making narration.

Great book!

I loved it, very informative. I will recommend this book to my friends. I will probably listen to it again.