Review (PDF) The Teutonic Knights: A Military History
This major new book surveys the gripping history of the knights and their order and relates their rise to power; their struggles against Prussian pagans; the series of wars against Poland and Lithuania; the clash with Alexander Nevsky's Russia; and the gradual stagnation of the order in the fourteenth century. The book is replete with dramatic episodes--such as the battle on frozen Lake Peipus in 1242, or the disaster of Tannenberg--but focuses primarily on the year-after-year struggle to maintain power, fend off incursions and raiding bands, and launch crusades against unbelieving foes. A major new history of this military order that defines the lives, deeds and actions of medieval German crusaders—covers 500 years of European history.
Hardcover: 288 pages
Publisher: Greenhill Books (February 2003)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1853675350
ISBN-13: 978-1853675355
Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.4 x 1.2 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #924,165 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #302 in Books > History > Military > Life & Institutions #1162 in Books > Christian Books & Bibles > Churches & Church Leadership > Church Institutions & Organizations #3129 in Books > History > Europe > Germany
As a Latvian, the German Knights figured prominently in the history of the Latvian tribes. But, until I read this book, I had no clear understanding of the "German Knights" or the "Baltic Crusades."Since this book is a military history of the Teutonic Knights, the author poses this in the Introduction. "Why a book on the military history of the Teutonic Knights? Why not earlier?...One answer is the best historians of the crusades have traditionally concentrated their attentions on the Holy Land; most medieval historians in recent decades have lacked much interest in military affairs; and amateur historians in the English-speaking world are not prepared to handle the many languages involved in studying Baltic and East Central European history....Another good answer, perhaps more fundamental, is that the English-speaking public was generally unaware that there had been crusades in the Baltic, and, moreover, for many years also lost interest in the medieval efforts to recover Jerusalem. No demand, hence no response by authors and publishers." page xiI knew very little of the Teutonic Knights and the Swordbrothers. I knew, from my Latvian history Saturday school studies, that my ancestor Lett tribes/clans were Christianized by the sword. Because the Letts fought amongst themselves and did not seek unity, that is why they were absorbed in contrast to their fellow Balts, the Lithuanians. Before I read this book, I never really realized that the Pope had blessed a crusade against the heathen Balts. So, what happens with all of this activity? I was always under the impression that only German knights took part. That was not the case. Knights from Ireland, Scotland, England, Denmark and other places participated in converting the heathen.Why did military campaigns take place in winter?
I have very conflicted feelings towards this book. Mr. Urban does a good job of trying to depoliticize the history of the Teutonic Knights, a tough job indeed. He has favorite figures on both sides of the stuggle, and you never get the feeling that he's manipulating the past. Overall, the book gives an impression of being an unbiased report. The scholarship behind the work seems solid. The author does a good job of conveying his passion for the subject to the reader.Those strengths are offset by significant weaknesses. The most significant weakness in this book is its organization. The chapters are organized by topic (One chapter dedicated to the conquest of Prussia, one to the conquest of Livonia, a few to the struggle with Lithuania, etc.) This makes the book very difficult for a newcomer to follow, as the topics are interrelated and aren't easily divided. Urban is constantly referring to people who he doesn't fully introduce into later chapters. One chapter will end in 1310, the next begins in 1210. This problem is compounded by the fact that he doesn't even maintain chronological order within his topics. It's difficult for a reader who is new to the topic to grasp the big picture, because you don't know what is going on in the other areas of the TK's realm.This poor organization also enhances the other major problem with this book: Urban's tendency to name drop. Although this book is divided into territorial topics, the actual TK leadership seemed to be more fluid. Someone who was in Prussia at time A was likely to be in Livonia at time B. Urban will introduce a figure at time A (which is at page 50), and then name drop him at time B (which is at page 130). In between those times, Urban has covered 100 years of history in one area and introduced 35 more figures.
The Teutonic Knights: A Military History The Military Advantage, 2016 Edition: The Military.com Guide to Military and Veterans Benefits (Military Advantage: The Military.com Guide to Military and Veteran Benefits) Knights of the Dragon (Of Knights and Wizards Book 1) Knights of the Wizard (Of Knights and Wizards Book 2) Knights of the Full Moon (Of Knights and Wizards Book 4) The Vatican Knights (The Vatican Knights series Book 1) Quantum Runes: How to Create Your Perfect Reality Using Quantum Physics and Teutonic Rune Magic (Creating Magick with The Universal Laws of Attraction Book 1) Rune Might: Secret Pratices of the German Rune Magicians (Llewellyn's Teutonic Magick Series) Walt Disney World For Military Families: Expert Advice By Military - For Military History: Human History in 50 Events: From Ancient Civilizations to Modern Times (World History, History Books, People History) (History in 50 Events Series Book 1) History: British History in 50 Events: From First Immigration to Modern Empire (English History, History Books, British History Textbook) (History in 50 Events Series Book 11) Military History: Historical Armies of the World & How They Changed the World (Greek History, Spartans, Roman Army, Ancient Rome, Egyptian History, Special Ops) Military helicopters of the world: Military rotary-wing aircraft since 1917 The Military Divorce Handbook: A Practical Guide to Representing Military Personnel and Their Families Storming the City: U.S. Military Performance in Urban Warfare from World War II to Vietnam (American Military Studies) Managing Diversity in the Military: The value of inclusion in a culture of uniformity (Cass Military Studies) Standard Catalog of Military Firearms: The Collector's Price and Reference Guide (Standard Catalog of Military Firearms: The Collector's Price & Reference Guide) Military Romance Series: Soldier's Bride: (Alpha Billionaire Arranged Marriage Romance) (Military Romance Novels) Adventures of a Military Wife: Dangerous Liaisons (Military Romance Series) Married to the Military: A Survival Guide for Military Wives, Girlfriends, and Women in Uniform
