John Hosler

Military historian Professor John D Hosler gives the first full account of the medieval struggle for Jerusalem between the seventh and thirteenth centuries and argues that the city’s past has been constructed on partial histories.

Hosler says that Jerusalem was attacked savagely and often during the Middle Ages, yet the period was also one of interfaith tolerance and accord. He looks at the great clashes of the time and at the experiences of its citizens of all faiths. He says the city’s conquerors consistently acknowledged and reinforced the rights of the religious minorities they ruled over.

Hosler is professor of military history at the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth. His previous books include John of Salisbury and The Siege of Acre.

This event is part of the festival’s programmes of American, and Jewish and Hebrew, literature and culture.

Sponsored by Jewish Book Week and generously supported by Professor Lucian Hudson and Jewish trusts and private donors.