Č un diario in versi, dettato dall'intelligenza del cuore, questo libro. E se non vi sono taciute la fatica e la solitudine, la delusione e lo sconforto; č la storia in versi di una vita che si stava spegnendo e che ha trovato la forza e la gioia di andare avanti.

Tonghini (Islamic archaeology, Universitį Ca'Foscari of Venice, Italy) has assembled a large mass of information on the citadel of Shayzar, in present-day Syria. Used over centuries, the main portion was constructed by Muslim rulers during the era of the Crusades. Rather than providing unifying analysis, the volume offers an enormous quantity of data gathered during archaeological excavation, several essays by other scholars, and a substantial group of excellent photos in both b&w and color, making this a rich resource for specialists in Crusader architecture and history. An introductory overview to the citadel's history is provided by senior architectural historian Hugh Kennedy. Annotation ©2012 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)