William Urban Book order

The history of the Teutonic Knights is one of crusading in an era of wars, intrigues, assassinations and betrayals. Originally established as a hospital order during the Third Crusade in the Holy Land in the late 12th century, the order evolved into a formidable military force dedicated to defending and expanding Christianity in the Baltic region. This book explores the crusade aimed at Lithuanian pagans in the Middle Ages, when crusaders from the Holy Roman Empire, France, England and Scotland came to Prussia to fight alongside the Teutonic Knights. What ensued was a long-drawn out, many-sided struggle, with Lithuania and Poland first becoming powerful states, then expanding into Belarus and Ukraine, where the Mongols and Tatars had long held sway. The book culminates with Lithuania converting to the Roman Catholic Church and the dramatic sieges of Vilnius. Written by two leading experts on the Crusades in an enjoyable and compelling style, this is an accessible narrative of a complex political and military history.

A story of war and the persons and institutions that waged it during the two key centuries when warriors became soldiers and soldiers became servants of the state.

The most comprehensive account available on the final years of the crusading military order, the Teutonic Knights.

The book explores the evolution of European warfare post-1500, highlighting advancements in weaponry, supply methods, and tactics that facilitated empire expansion, notably by the Ottomans, British, and Russians. It draws parallels between historical resistance movements and contemporary groups like ISIS and the Taliban, emphasizing that the underlying motivations often stem from tribal resentment rather than purely religious ideologies. The author argues that understanding these dynamics can inform current and future strategies in addressing such conflicts, learning from both historical successes and failures.

Explores why mercenaries were employed to defend or expand territory before massed national armies existed.

Set against the backdrop of a troubled college in the nineties, the story explores the dark undercurrents of Briarpatch College, where a series of mysterious events, including the drowning of the academic dean and the suspicious death of the president, have created a climate of fear and secrecy. As the institution attempts to regain stability under new leadership, the shocking discovery of the librarian's body threatens to unravel the fragile normalcy, revealing the hidden chaos and scandals that the administration wishes to keep buried.

Set against the backdrop of Briarpatch College in the mid-1990s, the story unfolds as Professor Donahue and Chief Biggs delve into the mysterious murder of Dean Wooda. As the investigation progresses, the plot thickens with additional bodies and escalating suspicions each semester. By 1997, the haunting presence of the dean's ghost lingers, leaving even those who witnessed his cremation questioning the eerie events unfolding in the college's administration building.

Set in the fall of 1995, the narrative follows Professor Donahue and Chief Biggs as they delve into a new murder mystery at Briarpatch College. Following the shocking death of Dean Wooda, which was linked to an insurance scam, they find themselves investigating yet another suspicious death. The plot thickens as they unravel the circumstances surrounding this new crime, raising questions about the motives and identities of those involved.

Set against the backdrop of Briarpatch College, a politically charged atmosphere emerges when the dean is found dead, shocking the close-knit community of Middleville. The story unfolds through the lens of an ex-cop and a woman who views law enforcement as a threat, highlighting their contrasting ideologies. As the investigation progresses, a web of complex personalities and intricate relationships is revealed, suggesting that the campus harbors deeper secrets than anyone anticipated.

This is the third volume in a trilogy that is an extended reflection on the changing nature of early modern war.