The Book of the Lion

This historical novel, a National Book Award nominee, explores the tumultuous era of the Crusades through the perspective of young apprentice Edmund, who is swept into the conflicts under King Richard. Set across medieval England and the battle-ravaged Middle East, the story vividly depicts the pageantry, brutality, and complex moralities of the time, including notable battles like the Battle of Arsuf. As Edmund journeys through this violent landscape, he encounters themes of courage, compassion, and the harsh realities of war.