This book investigates the structure, administration, and influence of the secular Latin Church within the Crusader States established in the Levant during the Middle Ages. Bernard Hamilton, a noted historian of the Crusades, draws upon extensive primary source materials to analyze the complex relationship between ecclesiastical authority and secular power in these frontier territories. The work examines how the Church adapted to the unique political and social conditions of Outremer, and its role in shaping the cultural and religious landscape of the period.

Bernard Hamilton's work is recognized as a foundational study on the ecclesiastical history of the Crusader States. Scholars have noted its meticulous research and comprehensive scope, establishing it as a key reference for understanding the secular church's role in the political and social fabric of Outremer. The book is praised for its detailed examination of church administration and its engagement with complex primary source materials, offering a nuanced perspective on a critical aspect of the Crusader experience.