This book investigates the primary sources available for understanding the Crusades and critically evaluates their reliability and biases. Bernard Hamilton, a distinguished historian of the medieval period, draws upon his extensive research to analyze the diverse range of documents, from contemporary chronicles and papal bulls to later accounts and archaeological evidence, that inform our knowledge of these complex military expeditions. The work aims to provide scholars and students with a comprehensive guide to the historiography of the Crusades, emphasizing the challenges inherent in interpreting medieval sources.

Bernard Hamilton's work is recognized as a significant scholarly contribution to the study of the Crusades, particularly for its rigorous examination of the source materials. Scholars have noted its comprehensive scope and the author's deep engagement with a wide array of primary documents. The book is considered an essential resource for anyone seeking to understand the complexities and challenges of researching this pivotal period in history, offering a balanced perspective on the available evidence.