Saladin: Noble Prince of Islam

Features

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Cover Type: Hard Cover with 48 pages
• Published by: HarperCollins
• Edition: 1st Edition August 6, 2002
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 0688171354
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0688171353
• Book Dimensions: 11.3 x 9.6 x 0.4 inches
• Weighs: 1.7 pounds

From Publishers Weekly
Meeting the high standards set by her previous picture-book biographies, Stanley (Michelangelo; Joan of Arc) here focuses on the 12th-century ruler known as "the Muslim saint-king" who was "praised even by his enemies as 'the marvel of his time' " and crystallizes many of the issues still at the root of conflicts today. Stanley begins with a concise overview of the First Crusade, then hypothesizes about the impact of the Franks' murderous conquest of Jerusalem on the young Saladin, a devout Muslim (after listing Jerusalem's importance to the "three great religions," the boy poses a question: "Couldn't everyone just share it?"). The author outlines religious practices, the political history of the Middle East and of Western Europe, and the vexed military campaigns for Jerusalem, once again demonstrating her trademark ability to research and then distill complex topics in terms accessible to middle-graders. She painstakingly builds readers' sense of Saladin's integrity and skilled leadership. For example, when his army was poised for certain victory over the Christians holding Jerusalem, he wrote to a knight proposing generous conditions for their surrender: "I believe that Jerusalem is the House of God, as you also believe. And I will not willingly lay siege to the House of God or put it to the assault." Stanley's precise, detailed artwork pays homage to period architecture. She evokes the colors of Persian miniatures (and medieval stained glass) as her paintings incorporate the complex patterning associated with Islamic art. Portraits of Saladin at home, sitting in front of gorgeously tiled walls with his family, arrayed in sumptuous robes, are particularly effective in conveying the richness of the subject's world. Readers are certain to be intrigued. Ages 8-12.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal
Grade 3-7-Attentive readers of this book-those who can wrest their eyes from the illustrations-will learn some history, some geography, and quite a lot about Islam, as well as about the life of Salah al-Din. (One interesting fact is that he was neither an Arab nor a Turk, but a Kurd.) Even more important, however, may be the chance to put oneself in the shoes of "the enemy," an exercise that is as useful today as it would have been in 1099. Anyone who still harbors romantic ideas about the Crusades will be disabused of them here. The harsh glare of history scours secular and religious leaders alike. Even Richard the Lionhearted appears as both a brilliant commander and "an obnoxious bully," and in light of his slaughter of 3000 hostages at Acre, who could disagree? Saladin is not depicted as flawless, and the attitude of Islam toward women is noted. Yet, on the whole, the great and generous Muslim leader is portrayed as being far nobler than any competitor. Each full page of text is a mini-chapter, a self-contained part of the overall narrative, so that readers can pause and linger over the opposing full-page illustration. These pictures, enlivened by saturated, jewel-like blues, reds, and greens, combine Western realism with pattern and composition recalling Turkish miniatures. Countless details of dress, armor, domestic interiors, and landscape evoke the period and setting. The beauty and sophistication of Islamic culture shine through Stanley's glorious pictures. A timely and splendid addition to the author's earlier biographical profiles.
Patricia D. Lothrop, St. George's School, Newport, RI
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Reader Reviews
When you look at the British involvement in that farcical escapade known as the Crusades, it seems remarkable that ANYONE living today could side with England. I mean, let's look at it soberly. They come into a country in the Middle East, take over huge swaths of it, claim it as their own, are shocked when the residents of the area don't like being oppressed, then set about hacking their way back in only to fail in the end. Just a scant overview of their actions is enough to make them look vaguely ridiculous. Once you start learning a little more about their actions (or rather, the actions of their leaders) you see just how violent and, not to put too fine a point on it, evil they were. Therefore, it's a bit surprising that a popular kid's book about Saladin hasn't been written before now. At this moment in time, circumstances have given kids a chance to learn more about the followers of Islam and their history. It seems fitting, then, that we should look at one of their greatest heroes and grant him the respect he's due. "Saladin: Noble Prince of Islam" does just that. Saladin was born along the Tigris River well after Jerusalem fell into the hands of the marauding Crusaders from England. As a child, he attended to his studies well and learned the tenants of Islam by heart. All this gave him the understanding he required to be a good and righteous man amongst his people. As a teen Saladin became the chief aide of the Turkish sultan Nur al-Din, a fair leader who earned the respect of his subjects. From him Saladin found his role model and guide. After Nur al-Din's death, he staked his claim on the man's empire and brought together his warring brothers. This allowed him the army he needed to set out to defeat the Franks and to reclaim Jerusalem once more. To do this he faced Reginald of Chatillon, "perhaps the greatest villain in the history of the Crusade" (which is saying quite a lot), Richard the Lionhearted, and other adversaries. The book recounts a myriad of battles undertaken by both the Crusaders and the Muslims. Both sides had their wins and losses. In the end, however, Saladin was victorious and in 1291 (years after his death), "the Franks were driven out of the Holy Land altogether". So well done there. Though it doesn't look it, this book is an excellent reference for any kid interested in battles and battle strategy. It summarizes the greatest confrontations of both sides and makes them understandable and interesting. There is also no question at any time as to who the heroes are. The Franks (to the Muslims all Crusaders were regarded as "Franks") break treaties, lie, kill for pleasure, and remain the greediest of no-goodniks. Saladin would often spare his captured enemies or give them a chance to pay a price to avoid being sold as slaves. King Richard, on the other hand, was prone to slaughtering three thousand Muslim men when he captured them. A cruel barbarian, he met a violent death, as was his due. Saladin died in his bed, having ended his life to his own liking. Touche. I suspect that there are people out there who can't imagine a man like Saladin being far more generous and compassionate than a man like Richard. To back up her information, therefore, author Diane Stanley has included an excellent Bibliography for further reading. Terms that might not be readily recognizable to readers are included in a Glossary in the back. Accompanying the text itself are beautiful glossy illustrations that perfectly compliment the book's plot and storyline. All this and the book is respectful to the people of the Islam faith. Biographies of historical figures well known in their native lands but little known in American schools are difficult to create. With that in mind, Stanley has done a remarkable job. She even ties in the events of the book to the modern day, commenting that, "Two hundred years of Frankish invasion, senseless slaughter, and religious fanaticism left a tragic legacy. A shadow of hatred and mistrust had fallen over this great land, holy to three faiths. A thousand years later, it is still there". And not likely to leave soon. Let us hope then that beautifully written biographies like "Saladin" dispel the myths that remain about the man, his life, and his religion. This book should be in every school library in America.