The Saracen by Robert Shea: A Tale of Espionage and Secret Societies
Blending meticulous historical research with gripping fiction, The Saracen is a two-part novel by Robert Shea that transports readers to the volatile landscape of the 13th century. Though it remained largely overlooked upon its initial release and eventually went out of print, the work has maintained a dedicated cult following and critical acclaim for its depth and narrative ambition.
The novel is structured into two distinct portions: Land of the Infidel and The Holy War. Together, they weave a complex tapestry of faith, betrayal, and geopolitical intrigue during the Crusades.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Key Facts
- Author: Robert Shea
- Genre: Historical novel
- Publication Date: March/April 1989
- Structure: Two parts (Land of the Infidel and The Holy War)
- Setting: 13th century, featuring the Papal Court in Orvieto and the Muslim world
- Central Theme: The clash of civilizations and the influence of secret societies
The Journey of Daoud ibn Abdullah
The story centers on David, an English-born man captured as a young child and sold into slavery to Baibars, a Mamluk officer (a member of a professional military caste of slave soldiers). David eventually embraces Islam, adopting the name Daoud ibn Abdullah.
Daoud evolves into a highly skilled warrior and assassin, receiving specialized training from the Hashishyya. This heretical Islamic order, also known as the Hashshashin, is the etymological origin of the modern word "assassin." Shea delves deeply into the philosophy and clandestine techniques of this order, making them a cornerstone of the novel's thematic exploration.
The plot reaches its peak when Daoud is dispatched as a spy to the Papal Court in Orvieto. His mission is critical: to sabotage a potential alliance between the Christian West and the descendants of Genghis Khan, which aimed to eradicate the Muslim faith and seize the Holy Land.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Historical Figures and Fictional Narratives
Shea masterfully integrates real historical figures into his fictional plot, creating a sense of authenticity. The narrative features prominent figures such as Thomas Aquinas, King Manfred of Sicily, Louis IX, and Charles of Anjou.
The novel explores a historical theory that the Papal Court, supported by Louis IX, attempted to form an alliance with the Mongols against the Muslim world. While this alliance ultimately failed in reality, Shea uses a fictional scenario to explain the collapse. He further blends history with legend by including the Italian poet Sordello, a figure appearing in Dante's Purgatorio, though Shea takes significant poetic license with the character.
Supporting Characters and Conflict
Alongside Daoud, the story features Sophia, a Byzantine woman and former concubine of King Manfred, who accompanies Daoud on his mission. The primary antagonist is Simon de Gobingnon, a French knight tasked with protecting the Mongol ambassadors. Simon is also the son of major characters from Shea's previous work, All Things Are Lights, adding a layer of continuity for readers familiar with the author's broader bibliography.
Secret Societies and Literary Context
While presented as an adventure tale, The Saracen serves as an investigation into secret societies, specifically the Hashshashin and the Templar Knights. This fascination with clandestine organizations is a recurring motif in Robert Shea's work, most notably in the Illuminatus! Trilogy (co-written with Robert Anton Wilson) and his novel Shike.
Critics often note that The Saracen is one of Shea's most successful attempts at interweaving scholarly research on secret societies into a compelling, character-driven narrative.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Book Summary
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Ballantine |
| ISBN | 0-345-33588-0 |
| Page Count | 357–468 pp (Paperback) |
| Preceded by | All Things Are Lights |
| OCLC | 19407905 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main plot of The Saracen?
The novel follows Daoud ibn Abdullah, a former English slave turned Mamluk warrior and Hashshashin assassin, who spies on the Papal Court to prevent a Christian-Mongol alliance against the Muslim world.
Who are the Hashshashin mentioned in the book?
The Hashshashin (or Hashishyya) were a heretical Islamic order of assassins. Robert Shea uses the novel to explore their philosophy and techniques, which served as the basis for the modern word "assassin."
Which real historical figures appear in the novel?
The book features several historical figures, including the theologian Thomas Aquinas, the Mamluk leader Baibars, King Manfred of Sicily, King Louis IX, and Charles of Anjou.
How does this book relate to Robert Shea's other works?
The novel shares a thematic interest in secret societies found in the Illuminatus! Trilogy and Shike. Additionally, the character Simon de Gobingnon is the son of characters from Shea's novel All Things Are Lights.
Is the Mongol-Papal alliance based on real history?
Yes, some historians believe that the Papal Court and Louis IX attempted to form an alliance with the Mongols against the Muslim world, though the effort ultimately failed.