The Book of Deeds of James I of Aragon

A Translation of the Medieval Catalan Llibre dels Fets
Neuauflage 2003
ISBN: 978-0-7546-0359-7
Verlag: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Buch, Englisch, 424 Seiten, Format (B × H): 240 mm x 165 mm, Gewicht: 856 g

Reihe: Crusade Texts in Translation

The 'Book of Deeds' is the first known autobiography by a Christian king. Its author was James I of Aragon (1213-76), known as 'The Conqueror', one of the great political figures of 13th-century Europe and a successful crusader. In his 'Deeds', James describes the turbulent years of his minority, the thrilling capture of Majorca, the methodical conquest of the kingdom of Valencia, the reconquest of the kingdom of Murcia after Castile had failed to hold it, and many of the important events of his reign. While crusade and conquest of Spanish territory from the Muslims and Christian-Muslim relations on the frontier are central features of the account, the 'Deeds' are also a treasure trove of information on the image, power and purpose of monarchy, loyalty and bad faith in the feudal order, the growth of national sentiment, and medieval military tactics. At the same time, the book presents a unique insight into the mind of a medieval ruler, the supreme example we possess of the fears and ambitions of a man at the very centre of events.

Autoren/Hrsg.

Smith, Dr. Damian J.

Buffery, Helena

Smith, Damian J.

Fachgebiete

• Sozialwissenschaften Pädagogik Schulen, Schulleitung Universitäten, Hochschulen
• Geisteswissenschaften Geschichtswissenschaft Geschichtswissenschaft Allgemein
• Sozialwissenschaften Pädagogik Lehrerausbildung, Unterricht & Didaktik Methoden des Lehrens und Lernens

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Contents: Introduction; Notes on the translation; The early years; The conquest of Majorca; Valencia - the Northern Campaign; Valencia - The capture of the city; Valencia - the Southern Campaign; The reconquest of Murcia; The twilight years; Bibliography; Glossary; Index.

Über Autor(innen)

Damian J. Smith is Associate Professor in the Department of History, St Louis University, U.S.A. Helena Buffery is Senior Lecturer in the Department of Hispanic Studies, University of Birmingham, U.K.