Armstrong is highly disliked by some on FR. However, she should be read anyway unless somebody is afraid of getting contaminated by a little wider view of history.
Armstrong is a former nun-in-training who dropped out due to, among other things, her dislike of other women's devotion to the Blessed Virgin. She's recognized and respected in the muslim world for her support of islam. Personally, I think she's a kook.
I agree. Her book on Jerusalem is excellent.
"... a little wider view of history."
Or a fictional one.