This new addition to the 'Warrior' series is on the Teutonic Knights. This was one of the three more famous orders of crusader knights and for a number of years, held control of several Christian enclaves in the Near East during the time of the Crusades.

Once those enclaves were lost, they turned their attention to the Baltic area and for several centuries concentrated on the Prussians and Lithuanians. There were also some conflicts with the Orthodox Russians, but for the most part it was a quest to subdue and convert the pagans of the time.

In this book, the author covers the organization, recruitment, and belief systems of the Teutonic Knights. The order had to follow rather strict rules and that included the individual vow of poverty. He owned nothing with all equipment and spoils going to the order. Their equipment and dress is covered as well as training and how they fought on campaign with several battles highlighted.

This is all amply illustrated with photos of artifacts and paintings of the time as well as the superb illustrations of Graham Turner to give a feel of what it must have been like back in those days.

Overall another superlative Osprey book and one that is both an interesting and enjoyable read. I'm sure you will agree.

January 2008.

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