Deeds of the Franks and Other Jerusalem-Bound Pilgrims - by Nirmal Dass (Paperback)

About the Book

This new translation offers a faithful yet accessible English-language rendering of the twelfth-century Gesta Francorum et aliorum Hierosolomitanorum, the earliest known Latin account of the First Crusade. The exemplar for all later histories and retellings of the First Crusad...

Book Synopsis

This new translation offers a faithful yet accessible English-language rendering of the twelfth-century Gesta Francorum et aliorum Hierosolomitanorum, the earliest known Latin account of the First Crusade. The exemplar for all later histories and retellings of the First Crusade, it is filled with vivid descriptions of the hardships suffered by the crusaders, deeds of personal heroism, courtly intrigues, betrayal and cowardice, and a relentless faith that would see the attainment of the desired goal: the capture of Jerusalem by the crusaders in 1099. It is also a sweeping tale that swiftly moves from the first preaching of the crusade by Pope Urban II, to the ragtag and ultimately doomed effort of the popular People's Crusade, and then to the more disciplined and concerted campaign by the French and Norman nobility that led to the conquest of the Holy Land by the crusaders. Based on the latest scholarly research, including a substantive introduction that explores the questions surrounding the Gesta and that sets it in its historical context, this definitive translation will bring the First Crusade and its era to life for all readers.

Review Quotes

A welcome addition to the growing body of translated crusader texts, graced with a sensible and balanced introduction. Useful to students and specialists alike.


The Deeds of the Franks and Other Jerusalem-Bound Pilgrims gives a brief overview of the political and church history of the 11th century leading up to the First Crusade. . . . Including a chronicle that has an overview of events before and during the Crusade, with dates so the reader receives an idea of when particular events occurred culminating in the capture of Jerusalem. The Deeds of the Franks is recommended for those interested in the history of the First Crusade.

About the Author

Nirmal Dass researches the Early and High Middle Ages. His previous books include Viking Attacks on Paris: The Bella parisiacae urbis of Abbo of Saint-Germain-des-Prés and The Crowning of Louis.