The Crusades were pilgrimages for some, for others an excuse for pillaging. This volume tells of an institution that for over three centuries periodically disrupted Europeon history, troubled Christian consciences and embittered Muslim attitudes towards the West. It offers portraits of the major personalities who took part, from Godfrey of Bouillon, the first Latin ruler of Jerusalem, to Etienne the visionary French peasant boy who inspired the tragic "Children's Crusade", and shows how the Crusades helped shape Europe, the modern world and relations between Christian and Muslim countries to this day. Hindley focuses on several themes, including women as pilgrims, rulers and warriors, the Knights Templar as pioneer bankers and international trade across religious frontiers.