The memoirs of the twelfth-century Syrian prince, poet, and soldier provides a rare firsthand view of the Crusades from an Arab perspective.

Born in 1095, Usamah Ibn-Munqidh was the nephew of the emir of Shaizar in Northern Syria. He traveled throughout the Middle East and lived endured myriad Muslim dynasties, the First Crusade, and the founding of the Crusader states. He served on the court with many important Arab leaders, including Saladin.

A warrior, diplomat, and poet, Ibn-Munqidh’s collected writings offer a rich and wide-ranging view of medieval Arabic culture, politics, and warfare. His extensive interactions with European crusaders offer a crucial yet under-represented perspective on a significant chapter of history.