New member - Plea for help

Hi everyone, just thought I would introduce myself.  Sorry if I have put this entry in the wrong place - I am new to these sites.

I have always been interested in Medieval and Ancient History,and am currently trying to educate myself in the areas I find of most interest. This site was recommended to me by Melisende, and I am extremely grateful as the parts I have looked at so far have been exactly what I have been looking for.

I am particularly interested in Ancient and Medieval history - subjects such as the Crusades, and the lives of the Kings and Queens of that time, egyptology, the Persian Empire etc.
I am also interested in the Regency period.

One of the subjects I would especially like to learn more about is the women of the times, royalty and the noble women, the power behind the throne so to speak!.


I intend to work my way through the discussions on the site in more detail, but in the meantime if anyone can suggest any books, or other websites, I would be very grateful.

Bye for now. Zoe

One book I read a few years ago on the Third Crusade left its mark on me: 'Warriors of God, Richard the Lionheart and Saladin in the Third Crusade' by James Reston Junior. Although at the time I loved the book (Some people have called it 'popular history') I realise now he was writing with a MASSIVE agenda - He makes vague comparisons between the Latin Christian States and Israel throughout the book. He also tries to tie in The Crusades and modern developments in the Middle East, which is a rather tricky thing to do. (He doesn't mention this in the book)