Crusader: By Horse to Jerusalem

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to ride from Paris to Jerusalem? For any reason at all, let alone facing the prospect of probably death at the end? I hadn't. But this book is fascinating. The author re-creates the travels of the Crusades and goes into the history and background at the same time. The story of the sacrifices that the Crusaders made in order to do what they thought was right at the time is a refreshing change from the constant condemnation of anything European or Western. Add to that the struggles of actually riding a horse that many miles with all your gear (spoiler alert: he didn't take a full suit of armor with him) and it makes for a fascinating story. I highly recommend it to anyone who likes to read and/or has any interest in history.

I learned very much about taking care of horses and gained a basic understanding of the toll of traveling cross country on a horse. Especially for a horse. The background of the First Crusade was fascinating; I learned a lot about that event.Conversely, I learned much more about horse care. The horses they rode and used, carrying packs, were used up, though. I felt a little sick, seeing how badly certain cultures treated the horses, along with angry at the ignorance of the author about basic care for his horses. I understand that he had a shoe-string budget, but I had to fight to keep reading when I read how little remorse the author had for what happened to the horses. It was worth reading for the understanding of how the Crusaders might have treated their horses and mules.

Mr. Severin is a good storyteller and the pace never gets dull. I recommend this book to horse and history lovers.

This book struck an immediate chord as it dealt with history, travel and high adventure. The author's trek following the path of the 1st Crusade from Belgium to Jerusalem by horseback was extraordinary. The adventurous account of day in, day out riding on horseback, at times following old Roman roads, was in itself worth buying the book. The author did more though. He incorporated the addictive history, trials and tribulations of the 1st Crusade. Yet there was more. The reader receives a good dose of humor, coupled with high drama. Last but not least, are the horses. Wonderfully developed characters in their own right. I would recommend this book to anyone.

I really enjoyed this book. The author draws you into his adventure, and makes you feel as if you were there on the trail with him. It was a fascinating trip, and I learned a lot about the crusaders that I hadn't known before. Loved his horse Carty, too! Before I read this book, I hadn't been interested in that era of history at all, but Tim Severin made it come alive for me. But it isn't just about history - it's about the people he meets, the places he sees, and so much more. An excellent read!

This book matches the quality of an adventure Severin is famous for. He sets the story well but when he mentioned a journey on horseback, I sort of lost interest however, the journey is something that is well documented. Like his other books, it would be a 5-Star rating with a map and photos.

Book is well written and has gorgeous plates. I ordered a copy for my kindle and a hard copy for my daughter. I highly recommend the hard copy because of the beautiful quality pictures.

An incredible journey by horseback over the original passages and through the modern nations where the first Crusade traveled with great hardship, from France to Jerusalem. Very well written, well researched, and beautifully told as great effort was made to recreate as much of the original mode and distances of travel by horseback as possible. Rich in detail, beautiful personal insights and great interaction with indigenous people and tribes. Well worth the time

This is a good book, and worth reading if you're interested in the historical context of the crusades. However, it is not as enlightening and compelling as some of Tim Severin's other books. It lacks the authenticity and authority of the seafaring books by the author. Tim Severin is a seasoned sailor, and when he recreates the sailing vessels and journeys of a historical period, there's immense realism. This is missing here.I'm not saying that the book is devoid of realism. I just don't get the sense of what it would really have been like to travel the route under crusading conditions, with the logistics and challenges. When Severin and his crew are in a boat and something goes wrong, they have no choice but to cope with the disaster as best they can, or give up completely, and this makes the seafaring books so realistic. But in this book, if something doesn't go according to plan, they simply alter the plan and do something else, even though the genuine people in that situation wouldn't have had that option.Perhaps I would have appreciated this book more if my expectations hadn't been raised by the author's brilliant sea journey adventurre books The Brendan Voyage and The Jason Voyage.  The Brendan Voyage   The Jason Voyage: The Quest for the Golden FleeceThe Brendan VoyageThe Jason Voyage: The Quest for the Golden Fleece

When I bought this book,I really didn't know what to expect. But the writer has taken us on an amazing journey with a lesson in history attached. I was worried for Carty,would he really make it all the way. But glad that they decided to leave him behind when he had,had enough. It must have been heartbreaking to loose Mystery. Their journey took them to some wonderful places,meeting all different types of people ,with their different cultures. The story was a little slow in places,but I was glad to come along for the ride.

Loved this book..thankyou non-rider Tim Severin for embarking upon a voyage on horseback, across Europe to the Middle East following the trail of the old Medieval Crusaders. This is a journey that even experienced horseriders would shy away from. Sometimes it pays to be overambitious...there is something very admirable about those who just aren't born sensible! Wonderful read.

Though established in his ventures on the seas and oceans, here Tim Severin retreats to his early days at university, when the Crusades were mandatory. Though, since publication, the politics of Europe have changed and the lands east of the Mediterranean continue to experience a miserable time, readers may well feel that they are time-travellers thanks to this book.

Although the book was in relatively poor condition this was reflected in the price and was indicated in the description. It also arrived promptly.