J. Gerlach is working on something he calls the simple history series-a set of zines, each one focusing on a different widely misunderstood event in history. We already carry his zine about Columbus, and now we've picked up his newest one, an explanation of the Crusades. In general, the Crusades were Christian raids on Arab lands, conducted with the purpose of "reclaiming their Christian Holy Land." These raids lasted for 134 years! It's a vital piece of history to help understand the clashes between Christianity and Islam today, and why there is ongoing animosity on both sides. It's really easy to read and worth your time. If we do not learn from our mistakes, we are doomed to repeat the past!