Converting the World

Abstract

This introductory chapter briefly covers the relatively underexplored topic of conversion during the Crusades. It points to the French king Louis IX's program for the conversion of Muslims, which incorporated, because of circumstances, a small number of pagan refugees as well. This was part of a complex of conversionary impulses long associated with Louis IX. There are notable differences among his various efforts, but there are also remarkable parallels and similarities. After first summarizing these other, better-investigated endeavors, as well as some related developments in the thirteenth century, the chapter proceeds to set the scene for the king's attempts to bring Muslims and pagans to the Catholic faith.