The Crusaders. Islamic Perspectives, 1999

Loads of pictures in here. Numerous fotographes depict the Levant as it was before the full onset of modern age. The pictures and plans of muslim fortifications, palaces, mosques are very inspiring for the avid BUA builder. Hillenbrand collected dozens of islamic designs and inscriptions a rich source for painting islamic costumes, flags and shields.

The Fall of Constantinople 1453

By Steven Runciman. A scholarly written book written with verve and passion. Runciman gives a detailed account on the battles and final siege and offers a closer look at the rapidly growing power of the Ottmans. This is the byzantine swan-song! It makes you really hate those stupid crusaders in 1204! Very good for DBA-campaign-ideas and ottoman armies and medieval artillery-developement.

The Fall of the Roman Empire, 2002

By Peter Heather. A treasury for late-roman DBA-campaign ideas. Alamans, Huns, Goths, Vandals, Alans, Franks. Very lively written. Gives a beautiful insight on eastroman diplomacy and westroman characters (Stilicho, Aetius, Constantius etc.). And you learn what it meant for the provincial population to live, eat, breath and think roman.

Byzantium. A History. 2000

By Peter Haldon. Densly written and very informativ, but hard to keep track. Definitely not a snooze-book. It gives a detailed overview on byzantine history, religion, power, art and culture, it's peoples and organisation of the state. There's not much military history in there. But it helps to get the feel for the eastroman world.