The monks of war. The history of military-monument orders from the emergence to the XVIII century

The book of the British historian Desmond Seward is dedicated to the history of military-monastic associations: the Orders of the Templars and Hospitallers, who fought with the infidels in Palestine, the Teutonic Order and his clashes with the Prussians and Slavic peoples, the Spanish and Portuguese Orders of Santiago, Calatrava and Alcantara and their participation in the reconcum, Also little -known brotherhoods, such as the Order of St. Thomas and Montegaudio. In addition to describing the battles and political intrigues with the participation of knights and masters, the author describes in detail the form of clothing, symbolism and weapons, lifestyle, hierarchy and charter typical for orders. In addition, the author talks about individuals who, either by virtue of his heroism and outstanding talents, or, on the contrary, special vices and villains left a significant mark in the history of orders