"Pluskowski has pulled off a remarkable feat. Combining up-to-date international scholarship, detailed narrative and shrewd assessment of complex evidence with close analysis of the full range of economic, political, environmental, ideological, artistic and architectural contexts, his succinct account of the Teutonic Order provides a comprehensive new standard reference."

Christopher Tyerman, University of Oxford

"Fluent, fresh and confident, this clever blend of history and archaeology brings the story of the Teutonic Knights sharply into focus. Pluskowski incisively steers us through the emergence, expansion and decline of this mighty organization, enabling us to appreciate their profound influence on the faith, politics and landscape of northeastern Europe."

Jonathan Phillips, University of London

"Pluskowski has provided a concise, well-researched and highly readable account of the vicissitudes of the Teutonic Knights from their establishment as a hospitaller military order in the Holy Land during the Third Crusade, through its meteoric rise as a major political and military power in Prussia and Livonia, to its transformation and decline during the Reformation and eventual conversion into a religious, charitable organization under the Holy Roman Empire. This book is a welcome addition to the limited English language library on the Teutonic Order."

Adrian J. Boas, University of Haifa, Israel