The Second Crusade and the Cistercians

No subject in medieval history is changing as rapidly as crusade studies. Even so, the Second Crusade has been oddly neglected. The present volume contains the work of 20 contributors, representing six nations on three continents, reflecting the most recent research on a crusade which mobilized Europe on a larger scale than any expedition undertaken since the Roman Empire. Particular attention is paid to the key role played by St Bernard and the Cistercians in this crusade, and their relations with the military orders. An interdisciplinary approach is taken, incorporating history, art and music. A bibliography lists over 700 primary and secondary sources. 1990 was the 900th anniversary of the birth of St Bernard.