Jerusalem

by Richard Foreman Book 3 in the The First Crusade series.

First published 2020

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4.2(307)

In 1099 the crusading army reaches Jerusalem after years of attrition. The city’s commander Iftikhar al-Dawla has strengthened the defences and expects relief, while the western leaders know that retreat is impossible. Godfrey of Bouillon and Raymond of Toulouse cooperate in the assault but also compete for authority over the city they hope to capture.

Edward Kemp enters the final siege carrying intelligence that might secure his fortune and return him to England. His private objective is set against the desperation of attackers and defenders preparing for an assault that will end in conquest and massacre. The final volume treats Jerusalem as both sacred goal and political prize, showing how victory immediately creates arguments over rule, responsibility and the meaning of the crusade.