The land beyond the sea
(Book)

Includes bibliographical references.

The Christian ruler of the Kingdom of Jerusalem following the First Crusade, Baudouin IV, struggles to hold his throne despite political intrigue, personal health risks, and the growing threat of Saladin and his army.

The Kingdom of Jerusalem was baptized in blood when the men of the First Crusade captured it from the Saracens in the early twelfth century. A land of blazing heat and a medley of cultures, it is a place where enemies were neighbors and neighbors became enemies. Baldwin IV, an intelligent and courageous boy committed to the welfare and protection of his people, is afflicted with leprosy. The threats against his power and his health nearly outweigh the risk of battle. The Muslim army-- led by the first sultan of Egypt and Syria, Saladin-- is never far from the kingdom's doorstep, and there are only a handful Baldwin can trust, including the archbishop William of Tyre and Lord Balian d'Ibelin, a charismatic leader who has been one of the few able to maintain the peace. -- adapted from jacket