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Description: Usama Ibn Munqidh (1095-1188) was a Syrian poet and warrior whose life coincided with some of the most dramatic moments in Islamic history: the invasion of the Turks into the Middle East, the collapse of the Shi"ite political power, and above all, the coming of the Crusades. Often at the frontline of such events whilst on military service representing one of his many Lords, including on occasion the legendary Saladin, Usama was nonethless best-known to his contemporaries as a poet.
Covering his exquisite anthologies of Arabic poetry, his witty and well-loved memoirs, and his political adventures, this comprehensive biography examines both the literary works of the famous "Arab-Syrian Gentleman" and the tumultuous life which inspired them. With a guide to further reading, a dynastic family tree and a glossary of the principal characters encountered in the book, it offers an indispensable window into Usama"s life, times and world of thought.
Contents: Preface • The Youth and The Castle • The Setting of Shayzar • Childhood • Hunting at Shyzar • Sayzar"s bad Neighbors • Nizaris attack Shyazar • Relations with the Franks • Quiet Moments • Exile • Service to Zangi • Last days in hama • The Outcast and the Kings • Damascus • Usama among the Franks • Trouble in Damascus • Egyptian adventures • The lessons of Ridwan • A new Parton • An expedition to Syria • Conspiracy in Cairo • The Final Straw • Damascus and Nur al-Din • Calamity • The Poet and the Tomb • Diyar Bakr • Literary output • Denouement in Damascus • Intellectual pursuits • Order and Chaos • God"s will and the Vicissitudes of Time • Usama"s Islam • Pious exemplars and the miraculous • Women"s honor • Male honor and social status • The manners and customs of animals • Conclusion • Franks and Muslims • Usama, ethnographer • Usama and the coming of the Crusades • Usama on Antioch • Social relations with the Franks • Medicine • Frankish Justice • Usama Christianity • Afterword • Works cited • Index.ISBN - 9781851684038
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Pages : 164
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