Rather than chronicle events from 1099 to 1291, as many others have done, Hellenbrand (Islamic history, U. of Edinburgh) introduces some of the wider aspects of the history of the Crusades from the Muslim side, exploring how they reacted to the alien presence in the heart of traditional Muslim territory. She also traces the military, cultural, and psychological heritage of the invasion and occupation from then to the present. She includes an abundance of illustrations and maps. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)