Description
By Jacob Abbott. Enter the age of castles, crusades, and chivalry in this compelling account of Richard the Lionheart and his extraordinary journey to the Holy Land.
In Richard I, historian Jacob Abbott recounts the early life, accession, and crusading career of Richard I of England, one of the most renowned warrior kings of the Middle Ages. Beginning with Richard’s formidable mother, Eleanor of Aquitaine, and the conflicts that surrounded his youth, Abbott traces his path to the English throne and the elaborate coronation that marked the beginning of his reign.
Much of the book is devoted to Richard’s part in the Third Crusade. Abbott follows the king as he prepares his forces, sails for the eastern Mediterranean, marries Berengaria of Navarre, conquers Cyprus, and joins the campaign against Saladin. From the fall of Acre to the Battle of Jaffa, Richard’s military successes are set against bitter rivalries among the crusaders and their failure to recapture Jerusalem.
The narrative concludes with Richard’s perilous departure from the Holy Land, his capture and imprisonment in Europe, and his eventual return to England. Throughout the book, Abbott considers the king’s remarkable courage and military ability alongside the ambition, conflict, and political struggles that shaped his eventful career.
In his preface, Abbott explains that his purpose was to present history without intentional embellishment, drawing upon what he considered the best available historical authorities. Written in his characteristically clear and engaging style, Richard I offers an absorbing introduction to the famous crusader king and the turbulent world of twelfth-century Europe.
This carefully restored edition preserves Jacob Abbott’s classic historical account for students, enthusiasts of medieval history, and anyone fascinated by the remarkable career of Richard the Lionheart.
About the author: Jacob Abbott (1803–1879) was an American educator, historian, and prolific writer best known for his biographies and historical works for general readers and young audiences. He authored hundreds of books, including the celebrated Makers of History series, and introduced generations of readers to notable people and events from the past through clear and engaging prose.
