{"product_id":"the-fifth-crusade-a-history-of-the-epic-campaign-to-conquer-egypt","title":"The Fifth Crusade : A History of the Epic Campaign to Conquer Egypt","description":"\u003cp\u003eby Thomas Smith \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"col2\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"format_title\"\u003eHardback\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"format_title\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePublication date: 14th July 2026 \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"pagination\"\u003e304 pages, 16 b-w illus. + 3 maps\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"pagination\"\u003eSigned by the author, dedications on request\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA fascinating account of the Fifth Crusade, the campaign to conquer Egypt and regain the Holy LandIn 1217, the crusader states were in a highly fragile condition. The Fourth Crusade had failed, and Jerusalem had not been recovered. The crusaders now set their sights on Egypt.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIf the breadbasket of the Mediterranean could be conquered, long-term Christian control of the Holy Land could be ensured. Led by the rulers of Hungary and Austria, and backed by the Knights Templar and Hospitaller, the Fifth Crusade was launched.  Thomas Smith tells the gripping story of the crusade for Egypt. Looking at a wide range of Christian and Muslim sources, Smith sheds new light on the brutal reality of medieval combat on land and water.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWe see a dramatic beach landing, the invention of a unique floating siege engine, and the conquest of the crucial port city of Damietta—one of the most famous and successful sieges of the crusades. Smith provides fresh insights into strategy, showing how, despite early victories, foolish decision making meant that the crusaders ultimately snatched defeat from the jaws of victory.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hunt's Bookshop","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57851160199549,"sku":null,"price":25.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0514\/8635\/9739\/files\/9780300283952.avif?v=1771605281","url":"https:\/\/huntsbookshop.pro\/products\/the-fifth-crusade-a-history-of-the-epic-campaign-to-conquer-egypt","provider":"Hunt's Bookshop","version":"1.0","type":"link"}