In "Chronicles of the Crusades", two stories of two very different crusades are presented to the reader. Both are stories of great kings and nobles on their quest to save Jerusalem, but both are told through very different means, using very different formats. Both, however, are highly informative and representative of the journeys of Crusaders at the time of their writing.

"The Conquest of Constantinople", told by Geoffroy de Villehardouin, is the story of the Fourth Crusade. Villehardouin, a key player in the Crusade and a key person to those making many of the decisions during the crusade, tells the story in a very factual manner, with little personal details, although his factual accounts often include him as a key character. Much of the story tells of the numerous diversions presented to the army on the Crusade as their attempts to gain allies overseas lead them away from Jerusalem and into enemy hands. However, the journey does show the bravery of many nobles, and the constant efforts of these men to do what was right for God and country. In "The Life of Saint Louis", Jean Joinville gives an account of the Crusade led by King Louis, as well s an account of the life of the king himself. As a personal friend and companion to the king, Joinville's account is much less constrained by time frame and fact, and much more concerned with examples of the king's generosity, wisdom, and kindness. Joinville journeys with the king overseas, and has the privilege of being in his service for over four years. In that time, Joinville learns that King Louis does not simply believe in God and his teachings, but follows them with complete and total faith and alters his own world to coincide with that faith. King Louis' crusade does help the people of Jerusalem defend themselves against the Turks and other enemies, and Louis' fortification of their castles and lands helps them to retain their lands. Although he and his men experience many trials and tribulations, he uses those experiences upon returning home to help transform his kingdom into a place of equality, peace, and justice.

Although both tales are stories of the Crusade, the first appears to be focused more on what can occur on a journey when individuals do not keep their word and when individuals are selfish and self-serving. In this Crusade, the men not only fail in their quest, but thousands die or are looked down upon for deserting their duties. In the second story, however, Louis, a firm believer in selflessness and the good of mankind, shows how the world can be changed through generosity and kindness. Both appear to be strong lessons about morality, as well as about the nature of mankind and the impact of such nature on history.