SOURCE: “Saladin, a Great Leader of Islam,” The Listener, Vol. LI, No. 1311, April 15, 1954, pp. 648–49.

In the essay that follows, Runciman offers a general assessment of Saladin's achievement and reputation, commenting that Saladin is as admired in modern times as he was by his contemporaries for his eminence as a general and for his virtuous nature. The author cites examples of Saladin's acts of mercy, charity, compassion, and humility.

There are many characters in history who were thought to be great and good by their contemporaries but who seem to us today rather unattractive. Fashions in behaviour and even moral standards have changed. But there are a few whose reputation has outlived the vicissitudes of time, so that we can still understand why they were admired and loved. Such a one was Saladin, the Moslem prince who was the most illustrious enemy of the Christians in the religious wars...