Dr David Nicolle was born in 1944 and worked for the BBC, including the overseas broadcasting Service before returning to university, obtaining his PhD in Edinburgh. He subsequently taught at Yarmouk University in Jordan and is Visiting Research Fellow at the Institute of Medieval Studies, Nottingham University. He is a specialist in medieval arms and armour and has written several hardback books as well as numerous articles for specialist journals. He has also presented papers at many international conferences. Richard Hook was born in 1938 and trained at Reigate College of Art. After national service with 1st Bn, Queen's Royal Regiment, he became art editor of the much-praised magazine Finding Out during the 1960s. He worked as a freelance illustrator ever since, earning an international reputation, and illustrated more than 30 Osprey titles. He died in 2010.

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• IntroductionThe First CrusadeEstablishment of the Crusader StatesThe Later CrusadesThe Crusader StatesCollapseStrategy, Tactics & OrganisationCastle and Siege EnginesArms & ArmourThe Plates