The High Crusade
Summary
The High Crusade is a tongue-in-cheek chivalric space opera by renown science fiction writer Poul Anderson. In this book, the conquering Wersgorix aliens arrive in fourteenth century England with the intention of scaring the locals into submission. Unable to anticipate the ferocity of the local English baron, Sir Roger de Tourneville and the fervent faith of the Englishmen under his leadership, the aliens are overpowered. With the captured alien ship, Sir Roger packs up the entire town of Ansby with the intention of assisting King Edward III in the Hundred Years’ War, not knowing that journey will take a detour of a few hundred lightyears.
Assessment
The High Crusade is a well-written, fun, and amusing novel with an endearing cast of brave knights, fair (and deadly) maidens, and dangerous alien empires. The story is written lightly and humorously, a chivalric tale of honor, love, and war, rather than a piece of historical fiction or alt-history. The writing style is masterful and entertaining without getting into the more “realistic” details of how this kind of event would actually play out. In essence, the story is fun.
Whether it was the intention of Anderson to write a piece of Christian fiction or if the story naturally lent itself to a more Christian nature because of its concept is unknown, but it is delightfully respectful to both Christianity and Scripture. The story is not theologically deep, but touches on key Christian topics and questions, such as saving the lost, when is violence necessary, and when to show mercy. It avoids falling into the snide, backhanded commentary on evangelization and the Crusades that modern medieval media tends to fall into, painting a balanced, even positive picture of medieval Christians making the best of their situation and seeking to win souls in the process.
Light-o-Meter
Writing Style: 5 out of 7 Little Lights
Plot: 6 out of 7 Little Lights
Worldbuilding: 5 out of 7 Little Lights
Characters: 6 out of 7 Little Lights
Theological Message: 5 out of 7 Little Lights
Overall: 5 out of 7 Little Lights
Talk
I have been pretty pumped about this story since I first learned of it last year. Medieval knights and nobles launching a crusade against an evil alien empire??? Count me and my niche interests in! Not only that, but I heard it was a fantastically Christian tale to boot, I was very, very excited. Too many medieval or crusade stories nowadays water down the faith element or use it to make a comment on proselytizing.
I am happy to report that the story did not disappoint in the slightest. It was perfectly chivalric, perfectly space opera, perfectly Christian all wrapped in a hilarious and fun tongue-and-cheek package. It is one of those stories where you can tell the author was having fun with the concept and characters. There is also a delightful dynamic between the story’s narrator — a subtly sassy yet faithful monk named Brother Parvus — and the heroic Sir Roger, as the latter pushes the boundaries of acceptable conduct for a Christian and the former disapproves.
The story doesn’t get too far into the weeds of either medieval history, Christian doctrine, or complicated interstellar travel technology, making it suitable for fans of any of those three elements, but not the others. The story is also very clean, the sporadic violence is described in broad strokes, rather than nitty-gritty details. As far as romance goes, this story is also incredibly clean. I think there is one, maybe two kisses between a married couple, if that.
While the story may appeal more to adults in content and writing style, there is really nothing in it that would be too much to handle for a teen or tween. Anderson did pull out all the stops for the vocabulary, however, so it might be trickier to read for kids, but it also might be the perfect time to dust off the dictionary and learn some fun outdated or niche words.
Wrap-up
The High Crusade by Poul Anderson is an interstellar chivalric adventure. When conquering aliens invade England in the fourteenth century, they get more than they bargained for in the Christian knights of old. Despite being technologically disadvantaged, the company of Sir Roger launches a crusade against the cruel Wersgorix to free both his people and the other alien races they have conquered.
Where to Enjoy
Purchase:
Abebooks: The High Crusade by Anderson - AbeBooks
Amazon (ebook): The High Crusade - Kindle edition by Anderson, Poul.
Audible (pre-order): The High Crusade Audiobook
Barnes & Noble (ebook): The High Crusade by Poul Anderson | eBook
Read First 5 Chapters Free:
Baen Books (digital): The High Crusade by Poul Anderson - Baen Books
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