| Sumario: | "Bringing the Holy Land Home: The Crusades, Chertsey Abbey, and the Reconstruction of a Medieval Masterpiece" is a multi-authored catalogue that accompanies an exhibition at the Iris and B Gerald Cantor Art Gallery. The catalogue focuses on the examination and reconstruction of the Chertsey Abbey tiles, specifically the depiction of an idealized victory of King Richard I over Sultan Saladin. The book includes essays that explore various aspects of the Crusades, cross-cultural contacts, artistic contexts, relics, textiles, and more. It aims to provide a wider perspective on the Western experience in the East and the cultural exchanges and appropriations that occurred. The catalogue also touches on the use of elephant ivory in England and the significance of imported materials in signaling wealth and interregional connections. The book acknowledges the non-linear dimensions of the debate and discusses the association of Charlemagne as the ideal crusader. However, it misses the opportunity to include certain artifacts and delve into the metaphorical qualities of board-game play as combat. The catalogue concludes with a note on the astonishing feat of a French knight during the first siege of Jerusalem. Overall, the catalogue offers a comprehensive exploration of the Crusades and their impact on art and culture.
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