The Life of Saladin
From the works of Imad Ad Din and Baha Ad Din

Sir Hamilton Gibb states the pricipal thesis of this book in the following quote: � In literature Saladin appears most frequently as a conquering hero, who fought his enemies victoriously and in the end beat them to a standstill. But closer examination of his life reveals him not only as a conqueror but as a man who struggled with his enemies of his own side who finally joined him and fought along with him under his sole command. From this angle we see him as a man who fought for his ideals and fought not victoriously but in a measure that fell short of his hopes and ambitions.�

Gibb�s purpose is to trace Saladin�s life from the works of Saladin�s close confidants Imad al-Din and Baha-al Din to prove his thesis. It is a simple, straight forward and concise history of Saladin�s life. It provides good insight into the life of Saladin and portrays him in a fairly balanced manner. Furthermore, this work sheds light on issues facing, Muslim leaders and the Muslim world on the eve of the Third Crusade. Although I have some problems with some of Gibb's other works I think that over all The Life of Saladin is a decent piece of work on the life of Saladin.