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Wolff, R. L.; Hazard, H. W. (ed.) / Volume II: The later Crusades, 1189-1311
(1969)
Foreword, pp. xiii-xiv
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Page xiii
FOREWORD In a letter addressed to the Catholic clergy in the east on November 13, 1204, pope Innocent III wrote that the transfer of imperial power in Constantinople from the Greeks to the Latins was "the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes." His words are those of the psalmist (117:23), and well depict the wonder then felt in Christendom at the astonishing success of the Fourth Crusade. Considering the difficulties and delays we have encountered in getting out the present volume, the editors may well apply Innocent's sentiment to the conclusion of their own work. But we have other debts than those of a celestial nature. Professor Norman P. Zacour of Franklin and Marshall College has given us invaluable assistance in various ways in addition to translating Professor Cahen's two chapters (XIX and XXI) from French into English. We are much indebted to Dr. Elizabeth Chapin Furber, who very kindly translated M. Longnon's chapter (VII), also from French, besides undertaking for us a chapter (XVII), which the late Professor John L. LaMonte had been scheduled to write, on the history of his beloved Cyprus. Miss Margaret C. Nolan of the library staff of the University of Pennsylvania has kept the voluminous files relating to this History of the Crusades, done much typing, and read the galley proofs with imperturbable patience. More than a word of thanks is due Mr. Thomas Yoseloff, director of the University Press, who has cheerfully had type reset, and other things redone, to help us make this as good a volume as possible. Death has unfortunately carried off two of our contributors, Professors Edgar H. McNeal and Sidney Painter, during the years we have been at work on this volume. The former never saw in print the chapter on which he collaborated. Professor Painter had the opportunity to correct his proofs. If I may be permitted a personal note in this Foreword, it must be to thank my old friend and colleague, Professor Robert Lee Wolff, who first attacked the mountain of typescript with which we began this volume. He effected in remarkable fashion a reduction of the whole to manageable size. No less recognition is due Dr. 1 Innocent III, Epp., an. VII, no. 154 (FL, CCXV, col. 456A): ". . . a Domino factum est istud, et est mirabile in oculis nostris." xiii
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