The Crusades - Pocket Histories Author:Bernard Hamilton This book investigates why the crusading movement, launched in 1095 to liberate the Holy Places, became so popular and successful, and goes on to describe the cosmopolitan society of the crusader kingdom of Jerusalem and the challenges faced. It concludes with a brief account of the extension of the crusades to other theaters of war in Spain, ... more »Greece and the eastern Baltic and an assessment of the long-term effects the crusades had on western society.« less