William J. Purkis . Crusading Spirituality in the Holy Land and Iberia c. 1095‐c. 1187 . Rochester, N.Y. : Boydell Press . 2008 . Pp. xi, 215. $90.00.
Tomaž Mastnak
This book is a valuable contribution to crusades studies. Following Giles Constable and Jean Leclercq, William J. Purkis sees the as an integral part of twelfth-century religious reform. In that framework, he emphasizes importance pilgrimage imitation Christ apostolic life origins early development crusading. The first two chapters argue Pope Urban II touched on deepest devotional needs his audience in crusading appeal. preachers historians crusade understood crusaders imitators practitioners life, which also seems have been crusaders' self-perception. Imitatio Christi vita apostolica were “two foundations spirituality” (p. 56). Chapter three looks at fifty years rule East. period, connection between East ideals faded away, while ideas Christo-mimesis continued be central spirituality. four examines Cistercian influence spirituality second third quarters twelfth century. As result preaching, ideal imitatio was divorced from reserved for those who committed their whole lives following Christ, such Templars. Crusaders, turn, defined by “duty bloodline” 118). Their duty follow exemplum fathers. last turn Iberia. tribute potency ideal, itself linked Jerusalem, introduced Iberia alternative route Jerusalem. But this idea iter per Hispaniam soon supplanted invention local foundational legends centers penitential pilgrimage, cult St. James, patron fight against Muslims Spain, Compostela.
The American Historical Review