Crusader Castles of the Teutonic Knights, Vol. 2: The Stone Castles of Latvia and Estonia, 1185-1560 (Fortress 19) [Paperback]

Stephen Turnbull (Author), Peter Dennis (Illustrator)

Book Description

Series: Fortress | Publication Date: May 25, 2004

The original forced conversion of pagan Livonia, what is now the Baltic states of Latvia and Estonia, was carried out by a military order known as the Brethren of the Sword. In 1236 this order was incorporated into the Teutonic Knights following a catastrophic military defeat. The knights had always consolidated their conquests through networks of castles and fortified places, and the Livonian Chapter of the Teutonic Order built castles of stone. This title covers the developmental and operational history of these fortresses over the length of the Middle Ages. It details how the Baltic fortifications of the Teutonic Knights evolved to reflect the changing nature of siege warfare and the increasing dominance of gunpowder in warfare.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"David Nicolle's Teutonic Knight 1190-1561 offers unusual in-depth detail on one of the most famous Crusading Orders in history, which undertook campaigns in the Baltic against pagan Prussians and Christian Poles. Details include not only extensive historic notes but plenty of detail on military and religious sentiments and organizations of the times." -The California Bookwatch (January 2008)

About the Author

Stephen Turnbull has published several books on the subject of warfare in Medieval and Early Modern Europe, and has developed a strong interest in Eastern European armies such as the Hussites and Muscovy. His books are always based on extensive scholarly research coupled with in depth study tours of the countries he is describing.

Product Details

• Paperback: 64 pages
• Publisher: Osprey Publishing (May 25, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1841767123
• ISBN-13: 978-1841767123
• Product Dimensions: 7.2 x 0.2 x 9.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 0.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,207,604 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #18 in Books > History > Europe > Estonia
  • #27 in Books > History > Europe > Latvia

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars History of an area that is not usually covered, June 29, 2004

By 

medievalcrusadesbabe "ebabsedasurclaveidem" (Ohio USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Crusader Castles of the Teutonic Knights, Vol. 2: The Stone Castles of Latvia and Estonia, 1185-1560 (Fortress 19) (Paperback)

This book takes up were the first book on "Crusader Castles of the Teutonic Knights" left off, moving from Prussia to Latvia and Estonia and moving along the time line from 1185-1560.

The author covers the history of Latvia and Estonia (Livonia) in regards to the time leading up to the Teutonic Knights and their castle networks and then covers the Knights, their Crusades and control in that area. The conversion of the local people by the 'Brethern of the Sword' is examined and how they became absorbed by the Teutonic Knights. The history of these countries is well covered from the system of fortresses and how it helped them control the area to why the area was of interest to the Knights and the Church. The research is in depth, giving some very good accounts of the time.

Again, the illustrations stand out as enabling the reader to clearly visualize the castles, the maps give outstanding historical reference to the geography of the time and the pictures of the castles in the present day included by the author present a very well rounded view of the importance of these fortresses in the campaigns of the Teutonic Knights, and how they enabled these Knights to implement their control over the lives of the peoples of Livonia.

For those with interests in the Teutonic Knights, their means and methods of crusading and a good overall history of the Castles of this area, this is an excellent primer, easy to read, very detailed, well illustrated and a good reference tool. medievalcrusadesbabe

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An overview of the history of the Teutonic Knights in the Latvia/Estonia region, May 14, 2006

By 

Richard J. Brzostek (New England, USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Crusader Castles of the Teutonic Knights, Vol. 2: The Stone Castles of Latvia and Estonia, 1185-1560 (Fortress 19) (Paperback)

"Crusader Castles of the Teutonic Knights (2): The Stone Castles of Latvia and Estonia 1185-1560" by Stephen Trunbull is the companion volume to his work on the Teutonic castles in Prussia. Each volume deals neatly with its own geographic region and history, so it is not exactly a sequel, but this book definitely is recommended to those that are looking for more history on the Teutonic Order. The history of the Teutonic Knights in the Latvia/Estonia region was noticeably different from Prussia. The Teutonic Knights actually moved into and took over the castles established by another religious crusader order called the Swordbrothers.

I did not find this book to be as easy to read as some of Turnbull's other books, making it a slower read having to consult a dictionary more often. It may be a good starting point to learn about the castles of the Teutonic Knights in Latvia and Estonia, beside the fact of it being one of the few books available on the topic, but it may take a bit more dedication and effort than most introductory books. The color illustrations by Peter Dennis are exceptional and bring to life what these magnificent castles looked like in their prime. However, I do think it would have been helpful if more of the illustrations and floor plans of the castles were located on the same or opposite page so a side-by-side comparison may be done, preventing flipping though the whole book trying to make a match. Overall, "Crusader Castles of the Teutonic Knights (2)" will provide you with a nice overview of the history of the castles and people who made and fought in them, as well as let you have a good idea of what they looked like with the photos and illustrations.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Second in the series, July 12, 2006

By 

EquesNiger (Prague, Czech Republic) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Crusader Castles of the Teutonic Knights, Vol. 2: The Stone Castles of Latvia and Estonia, 1185-1560 (Fortress 19) (Paperback)

This book is the follow-up to Turnbull's equally strong work on the Teutonic Knights and their castles in Prussia. The book nicely covers the history of the coming of Christianity to Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, and the resultant need of an armed force to protect the clergy. The cut away drawings of a Convent Castle, Riga Castle and a Gun Tower are excellent. My only gripe is that this book, easily, could have been incorporated into the first volume. It only has 60 pages of real informational content.