num_pages: 316
description: The reign of King Baldwin IV of Jerusalem (1174-85) has traditionally been seen as a period of decline when because of the king's illness power came to be held by those who made the wrong policy decisions. Notably they ignored the advice of Raymond of Tripoli and attacked Saladin. This book challenges that view arguing that peace with Saladin was not a viable option; and that the young king despite suffering from lepromatous leprosy presided over a society that was (contrary to what is often said) vigorous and self-confident.
language: English
title: The Leper King and his Heirs: Baldwin IV and the Crusader Kingdom of Jerusalem
publisher: Cambridge University Press