James I of Aragon's book is packed with references to the culture, beliefs, geography and history of medieval Europe. It is a treasure trove of information on the image, power and purpose of monarchy, loyalty and bad faith in the feudal order, the growth of national sentiment, and military tactics. 'The new translation is very clear and readable. Its main advantage over Forster's consists in its very detailed notes which draw on the mass of recent scholarship on James and his reign. This will make it the standard text for our century.' English Historical Review 'This new English translation of the Llibre, the first since John Forster's in 1883, is carried out with exemplary skill and accuracy by Damian Smith and Helena Buffery. Particularly useful are the numerous detailed notes, which buttress the text throughout and help to elucidate many aspects of the work which might otherwise baffle the reader. The volume is supplemented with maps, bibliography and glossary.' History 'The translators are to be congratulated for having provided a no-frills text fit for historians, replete with references to the huge cast of characters engaged by the player-king.' Ecclesiastical History 'Though more a mirror of princes than a crusader chronicle, the Llibre dels Fets is indeed an excellent source for the history of the crusades. This finely annotated translation will undoubtedly make a wide circle of students and historians aware of it.' Crusades