The First Crusade: The Accounts of Eye-Witnesses and Participants

The First Crusade was one of the epoch-making events of history. It is also one of the most misunderstood in modern times despite the wealth of eye-witness records which have survived from that era. Written by churchmen and common knights, counts and princesses, these historical accounts and letters present the fervor, intrigue, despair, jubilation and ferocity of the First Crusade with the clarity, intensity and shocking honesty of its most passionate observers and participants.

Originally compiled by Professor August C. Krey in the early 20th century, The First Crusade: The Accounts of Eye-Witnesses and Participants presents a continuous narrative from the Council of Clermont to the capture of Jerusalem told entirely with first-hand accounts. The collection includes extensive tracts from the anonymous Gesta Francorum, the Historia Hierosolymiana by Fulcher of Chartres, the history of Raymond of Aguilers, the Alexiad of Anna Comnena, and many others. Together, these accounts present a highly readable and vivid history of the First Crusade and help to reintroduce modern readers to the various princes and pilgrims, battles and sieges, saints and villains, relics and holy places which were once famous throughout the world in history, literature and legend.