I particularly like an oldie but a goodie, Runcimans three-volume history.
Another good one is by Zoe Oldebourg, who was quite a fine historical novelist, but her straight history is first-rate.
Thanks, buwaya. Zoe Oldenbourg's "The Crusades" was the first serious book I ever bought on the subject, and I concur with your assessment. Runciman's I have pecked away at here and there over the years -- I need to pick some stretch of time and get on with it. Thanks for the inspiration. Never have the Crusades seemed more relevant than now.