Saladin remains one of the most iconic figures of his age. As the man who united the Arabs and saved Islam from Christian crusaders in the twelfth century he is the Islamic worlds preeminent hero. A ruthless defender of his faith and brilliant leader he also possessed qualities that won admiration from his Christian foes. But Saladin is far more than a historical hero. Builder literary patron and theologian he is a man for all times and a symbol of hope for an Arab world once again divided. Centuries after his death in cities from Damascus to Cairo and beyond to the Arabian Peninsula and the Gulf Saladin continues to be an immensely potent symbol of religious and military resistance to the West. He is central to Arab memories sensibilities and the ideal of a unified Islamic state. John Man charts Saladins rise to power his struggle to unify the warring factions of his faith and his battles to retake Jerusalem and expel Christian influence from Arab lands. Saladin explores the life and enduring legacy of this champion of Islam while examining his significance for the world today.
