The capture of Jerusalem in 1099 is one of the most famous (or infamous) episodes in the history of the crusades; this account provides a detailed narrative of the siege with further chapters placing it in the wider context of the First Crusade and the later history of the kingdom of Jerusalem. Kostick's decision to focus specifically on this event sets his work apart from other modern studies of the First Crusade, which tend to work chronologically through the campaign and generally place their emphasis on the earlier capture of Antioch. Thus, this is a refreshingly new approach which is supported by an exciting and evocative written style, many excellent diagrams, 3D maps and prosopographical insights. To maintain this momentum, as the author makes plain, he has discussed the sources for this event solely in the appendix. Consequently, in the main body of the text, he has offered his own interpretation on areas where the evidence is unclear, unreliable or contested, without any reference to historiographical debate. The result is an innovative form of history in which many of the key elements typical of academic works have been removed to create the most seamless and gripping narrative possible. Although this account solely reflects Kostick's version of events he is an expert in the history of the First Crusade – having recently published The social structure of the First Crusade (Leiden 2008) – and his judgements are generally sound. Assessing the value of this work, it is not difficult to see that a popular audience would find the book a gripping read, which would hold their attention and, one hopes, motivate them to learn more. As an introductory text, it serves this role admirably and, at a time when historians have to compete with many other forms of media to arrest the public's attention, this may be exactly what the field needs. Of course this is not the only work in this niche and The siege of Jerusalem will presumably nestle alongside Asbridge's excellent study The First Crusade: a new history in bookshops' history sections. It is also possible that a reader seeking a general introduction will select a work with a more generic title rather than one which promises (on the cover at least) to describe only a single event. Thus, this work's success may hinge on the way that it is marketed to its target audience. Overall, The siege of Jerusalem represents a brave new attempt to present the crusades to a wider audience; a key challenge for historians seeking to compete in the modern market.