Ably translated into English by Charles David, The Conquest Of Lisbon (De Expugnatione Lyxbonensi) is an eyewitness account of the capture of Lisbon in 1147 by the combined forces of King Alfonso Henriques of Portugal and a fleet of crusaders from the Anglo-Norman kingdoms. More than a dry historical narrative, the author vividly conveys the tensions and rivalries between the secular and spiritual factors of a twelfth century crusade, as well as tremendous and descriptive insights into medieval warfare, the development of crusading ideology and the concept of a Christian "holy war"; as well as Muslim views of the invading crusaders. An informative foreword by Jonathan Phillips provides an update on the scholarship regarding the integral place of the Lisbon expedition in the Second Crusade, the identity of the text's author, and the author's intent for his compelling history. The Conquest Of Lisbon is also available in hardcover (0231121229) and is an essential addition to any Medieval Studies collection.

Some people can travel through or even live in a place without wondering about its history or the origin of its name. I'm not like that, which is what makes this book such an interesting and useful tool -- whether traveling here in Washington, or just browsing at home.

I mean, you gotta wonder: Is Humptulips as vaguely rude as it sounds? Who or what was Sedro Wooley? Who fought whom at Battle Ground? Did Startup get its name because that's where you 'start up' into the mountains (and what if you're coming the other direction)? And what about the whole Snohomish-Skykomish-Swinomish-Suquamish-Skokomish-Sammamish mess? This book is an excellent reference for getting to the bottom of it all. Not only cities and towns, but mountains, counties, rivers -- nearly everything with a name (except roads, bridges, and buildings) is listed here.

I do have to note, though, that although this book has been updated at least through the 1990s, it neglects to mention that King County, Washington, was 'renamed' in 1986. It no longer honors former US vice president William Rufus de Vane King, but is in fact now named after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (this is true; you can look it up). Apart from that oversight, though, I recommend this title highly for people like me who can't help wondering why where they are, is what it is.

You can't drive through Washington, watch tv news or read a newspaper without this book. Along w/ a map, you can become a true Washingtonian. This book is fascinating.

This book is not only educational, it's also entertaining. Learn why Auburn isn't called Slaughter anymore, and what the original names of that town we call Bellingham really were. Anyone with a historical bent will love this book.

Published in 1967 during the reign of the backwards and reclusive Sultan bin Taimur, Oman: A History, gives a picture of the country from prehistoric times onward. It is divided into the chapters, "The Dawn of Oman", "The Omani Empire in Africa", "The Albu Said Dynasty is founded", "Said the Great", "Said and the Slave Trade", "Murder, Slavery, and Rebellion", "Time of Troubles and the Buraimi Dispute", and "Revolt on the Green Mountain" and 3 short appendixes, "Christianity in Arabia", "Unveiling the Past" and "the Zanzibar Revolution". The book stresses the origins of Oman and the seemingly unstable rule of law which maintained stability through the strength of the Sultans of the Al Bu Said dynasty and their excellent statecraft and fair dealings in foreign and domestic affairs. The foreign aspect is also stressed in descriptions of trans-oceanic transport which Oman was largely dependant on, and the incredible might of its navel power for a country of its size, which has played such an important role in its history. The demise of Portuguese and Persian rule are discussed as well, reflecting the strong national identity based around Oman's unique form of Islam, (Ibadhi) which is crucial to understanding Oman. The great profits, and even greater evils, of the East African slave trade are covered in depth as well as Oman's rule of slaving colonies on the Swahili coast with grew to rival Oman itself in influence. Unfortunately, it ends three years before the most important event in Omani history, the coming to power of Qaboos bin Said, who single handedly transformed the country into a modern state based on oil revenues, brought it out of diplomatic and social isolation, and vastly improved the lives of the Omanis. The book's unique value lies primarily in that it is the last expert view of Oman when it was still terra incognita to the rest of the world.