Jonathan Riley-Smith is Dixie Professor of Ecclesiastical History, University of Cambridge. His publications include The Crusades, A Short History.

'An extremely useful and stimulating book, which no student of crusading history can afford to neglect.' Times Literary Supplement 'Riley-Smith's work is based upon a thorough knowledge of the sources,... it represents the best general account of the religious meaning of the Crusade, and as such it is an important addition to literature on the Crusades and to the development of forms of lay piety in the Middle Ages.' The Journal of Religion 'Riley-Smith... has attempted successfully to adumbrate the idea of the first crusade. [A] well-crafted and convincing argument.' Choice

• Acknowledgements / Introduction / 1. Pope Urban's Message / 2. The Response of Lay People / 3. Conditions on the March / 4. The Idea of the Crusaders / 5. The Crusade of 1101 / 6. Theological Refinement / Conclusion / Chronological Table / List of Abbreviations / Notes / Bibliography / Index