From the The Rise of Islam to the Crusading Centuries
The Pre Islamic Arabs
Origins-Language-Tribal Societies- Attitude of Byzantines and Persians- Jewish contact in Book of Nehemiah
Mohammed
Early Life - Visions - Fight with Mecca - Religious message - Jihad
Spread of Islam
By the sword or by the Word? Across Middle East into North Africa across the Straits of Gibraltar as far as France - Seljuk Turks convert to Islam
The Christian Crusades
Capture of Jerusalem - Establishment of Outremer Kingdoms - Saladin and victory at Hattin - Acre falls leaving Islam triumphant
Three introductory books for those who would like to read more (please use the bibliographies too)
A Concise History of the Arabs David Gardner
Islam Karen Armstrong
The Crusades Christopher Tyerman