In this book Norman Housley, one of the most distinguished historians of the medieval period, provides an introduction to the complex history of crusading.

* Steers readers through the key debates in this popular area of medieval history.

* Draws on the author's 30 years' experience of crusading scholarship.

* Issues addressed range from the definition of 'crusade', through the motivation and intentions of the crusaders, to the consequences of the crusades for European society