The heart-breaking story of the Kogi indians of Colombia, who believe that their divine purpose is safeguarding the planet from the ecological holocaust caused by modern civilization. The description of the elderly shaman and the young boy, secluded in a cave high in the Andes as they enact ancient rituals in a desperate attempt to save the world, is one of the most mind-blowing passages I have ever read. A gut-wrenching, haunting, and ultimately terrifying book, the message of the Kogi people could very well contain the key to our survival as a species.

Very moving account of what is happening to the Kogi-Indians in Colombia. Makes you think about what the "white brothers" did to indigenous people in America.

Other reviewers have stated that if you are serious about learning all you can regarding the crusades, you should skip this book.

I disagree.

I have quite a bit of knowledge on the subject, and found this book quite enjoyable. Instead of the usual dry, slightly boring books that try to remain as objective as possible, Jones and Ereira come out swinging.
They make no pretense about being *the* authoritative source for knowledge on the subject, saying just the opposite, and thereby allowing me to relax and enjoy the reading. They also apply a liberal amount of dry wit and biting sarcasm to point out the fanatical lunacy that the crusades inspired.

I was actually suprised by the amount of factual evidence and written documentation from that time that Jones and Ereira dug up and used. They indeed did their homework before setting things down on paper. Nice chronology and maps accompany traditional artwork depicting various scenes from the crusades.

I recommend picking this one up if you are just casually looking for information on the crusades, or if you've done exhausting research on the subject (you could use the break!)
And if you can, pick up the video series. The series is quite informative and very entertaining!

The former members of Monty Phyton seem to be keen on traveling. Michael Palin travelled around the world in 80 days and from pole to pole, and in his book CRUSADES, Terry Jones takes us to the medevial middle-east. His history of the first crusades is quiet entertaining, especially if you like pythonesque humor. However, the background information appears a bit weak. Recommended if you don't have any previous information on the subject, if you are looking for in-depth information, you should turn to other sources

When most people think of the Crusades, they think of chivalry, honor, gallantry. Terry Jones, of Monty Python fame and the History Channel combine humor and education in setting the record straight in this funny and educational series.

There are all sorts of crazy stuff going on...black and white film trailers of their exploits, seige machines tossing rocks and horse heads over walls, and Terry himself walking across a desert in mail-armor 2 stones in weight. While amusing, there is also interwoven a good deal of historical first-hand accounts and historical backdrop...all these things keep the viewer entertained while educating, and dispel the myth of the crusades for a realism that makes you laugh and think.