Apple of His Eye: Converts from Islam in the Reign of Louis IX

King Louis IX of France was dedicated to converting non-Christians to Catholicism, and his military expeditions against Islam are well-documented. This book sheds new light on his program to induce Muslims to voluntarily convert to Christianity and resettle in France, recovering a forgotten but important episode in the history of the Crusades. It also provides a rare window into the fraught experiences of the converts themselves.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 200 pages
\n Publication date: 09 April 2019
\n Publisher: Princeton University Press
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The thirteenth century saw a renewed urgency in Catholic efforts to convert non-Christians, and King Louis IX of France was a prominent figure in this endeavor. While his military expeditions against Islam are well-documented, his peaceful encounters with the Muslim world have received relatively little attention. This splendid book sheds new light on King Louis IX's program to induce Muslims, known as the "apple of his eye," to voluntarily convert to Christianity and resettle in France. It recovers a forgotten but significant episode in the history of the Crusades and provides a rare window into the fraught experiences of the converts themselves.

William Chester Jordan's book, "The Peaceful Conquest: The Muslim Conversion to Christianity in Thirteenth-Century France," challenges our understanding of medieval Christian-Muslim relations. By telling the stories of Muslims who willingly converted to Christianity in France, Jordan explores the circumstances, assimilation, and resistance of these converts. He challenges the notion that historical accounts of the kings' peaceful conversion are hagiographical and unveils archival evidence to support these narratives.

In this concise and compelling book, Jordan sets his findings within the context of the Seventh Crusade and the universalizing Catholic impulse to convert the world. He sheds light on the complexities of religious conversion, the power dynamics between Christians and Muslims, and the enduring impact of this historical episode on the relationship between these two faiths.

This book is a valuable addition to the field of medieval history and religious studies, offering a fresh perspective on a period that has often been overlooked. It provides valuable insights into the complexities of religious conversion, the role of power in interfaith relations, and the enduring legacy of the Crusades. Jordan's meticulous research and engaging storytelling make this book accessible to a wide audience, and it will undoubtedly inspire further research and discussion on this important topic.

\n Weight: 384g\n
Dimension: 147 x 222 x 25 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780691190112\n \n