Anna Comnena (1083 - post-1148) was the daughter of the Byzantine Emperor Alexius I. Her account of the First Crusade and the Crusaders provides a realistic and unflattering account of the Crusader's motives.

Before he [Alexius I] had enjoyed even a short rest, he heard a report of the approach of innumerable Frankish armies. Now he dreaded their arrival for he knew their irresistible manner of attack, their unstable and mobile character and all the peculiar natural and concomitant characteristics which the Frank retains throughout; and he also: knew that, they were always agape for money, and seemed to disregard their truces readily for any reason that cropped up. For he had always heard this reported of them, and found it very true. However, he did not lose heart, but prepared himself in every way so that, when the occasion...