The Second Crusade: Extending the Frontiers of Christendom

Image courtesy of
www.booksamillion.com

The Second Crusade:  Extending the Frontiers of Christendom
Jonathan Phillips
2007

The Summary
Jonathan Phillips recaptures the Second Crusade in his novel, carefully retelling some of the most important events of the First and Second Crusades and shedding light on three fronts of war:  the Holy Land in Palestine, the Baltic regions of northern Europe, and the Iberian Peninsula in Spain.

The Good
The Second Crusade is an informative piece of work.  It is great as a resource, because it provides an overview of dozens of historical resources and examines some of the most important qualities (and individuals) of the Second and First Crusades.

Besides which, Phillips's work demonstrates a thorough knowledge of its subject - including details concerning Conrad III of Germany and King Louis VII of France, as well as an indepth examination of the average crusader - and proves vastly insightful for its information about crusaders, culture, and political intrigue.

The Bad
Phillips's work retains a strict, academic style which can occasionally grow stale and wearisome.  In all honesty, it appeals to a very small group of people, because it's sometimes too dry and it's almost too much to wade through, despite the author's attempts to condense and refine.

Moreover, in specifically focusing on the growth of Christendom and the impact of the Crusades on Europe, Phillips occasionally neglects to provide information on the "other side."  While the author does show the impact of the Crusades on the people of the Baltic regions, Palestine, and Spain, The Second Crusade more often portrays the history of European crusaders - and , in particular, the actions of the kings of France and Germany, Louis VII and Conrad III respectively.

The Ugly
The Crusades, despite elements of grandeur, remain an exceedingly violent and disruptive aspect of European and Middle Eastern history.  As Phillips notes in his work, the Second Crusade achieved many goals, but, more often, it appeared to lead to violent conflict, persecution, and wanton destruction.