The Quest for Relics and Trashing the Holy Land Started the Crusades
 

I forgot which thread I mentioned this in and I didn't want to hijack it so I started a new thread.

I read a book many years ago - some of you may have read it as well. It is a main stay in my library. It is 'Extraordinary Popular Delusions and the Madness of Crowds' by Charles Mackay. It was first published in 1841.

On page 356 starts a very interesting section on the Crusades. It starts out explaining that the pilgrims heading to the holy land had an unsatable appitite for any piece of what ever they could find that they could bring back with them. It further goes into details about how the pilgrims mistreated the way, how they were taxed, of Robert of Normandy, the pilgrims prosecuted by the Turks, Peter the Hermit and so on.

Great book and very well written...

I know there was a history student wanting this info - can remember who

It's a very fine book with many insights into the irrational behavior of crowds and people in the grip of mass euphoria and delusions.

Very timely that you mention it.

Timely for sure.

I think I'll read it.

i thought Monty Python started them

An interesting take on the time is Umberto Eco's Baudolino. A thread through the fiction is the 'manufacturing' of relics - including John the Baptist's skulls to finance their journey to find Prestor John - a Crusader myth. The book does get a bit wierd though . . .

Ian

I didn't expect the Spanish Inquisition...

NOBODY expects the Spanish Inquisition! Our chief weapon is surprise! Surprise and fear! Our chief weapons are ...