The Teutonic Knights [Hardcover]

Henryk Sienkiewicz (Author), Miroslaw Lipinski (Author), Alicia Tyszkiewicz (Translator)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

The dawn of the 15th century presaged one of the epic battles in central Europe. The Order of Teutonic Knights ruled Prussia with an iron fist and plundered its neighbors. The Polish-Lithuanian Kingdom, a confederation wary of the Order, was reluctant to fight yet possessed the era's fiercest knights. Among these, Macko of Bogdaniec and his nephew, Zbyszko, are catalysts in the events leading to war. When the Order kidnaps Zbyszko's wife, their gallant search for her inspires all the Polish knights, and their victories set the stage for a broader conflagration. In his final work, Sienkiewicz ( Fire in the Steppe , LJ 6/1/92) tells a classic tale of knights-errant and chivalric love, of vast powers struggling in the early historic battles of his beloved Poland. His consistent themes of faith, honor, love, and duty mark his unstinting belief that greatness exists within each individual and that from great individuals arise great nations. Recommended for public and academic libraries.
- Paul E. Hutchison, Bellefont, Pa.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Polish

Product Details

• Hardcover: 787 pages
• Publisher: Hippocrene Books; Rev Sub edition (May 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0781801214
• ISBN-13: 978-0781801218
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 6.6 x 2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,329,423 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #82 in Books > Literature & Fiction > World Literature > Slavic

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

37 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A fascinating account of the Middle Ages, October 22, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Teutonic Knights (Hardcover)

This book was written in 1900. It took the author over four years to write it. I advise anyone interested in literature, not just historical novels, to get this book. It is a monument of extraordinary literature. It is written sharp as a diamond, and throughout the 800 pages, there is no boring paragraph to be found. The plot is so well thought-out that you will be amazed. The last words of the author in the book are "So to you, sacred past, and to you, sacrificial blood, be praise and honor for ever and ever." Not only do you get a great account of life in the middle ages, but also a detailed and fascinating tale of many memorable characters and their adventures. After you read this, I STRONGLY recommend the trilogy. "With Fire and Sword" is a very different book, but just as good, if not better, than this one. "The Deluge" is a very long book: 1800 pages. But don't let that scare you away -- just like "Teutonic Knights," every page is fascinating. And the last volume of the trilogy is "Fire in the Steppe." Right now, Amazon.com is offering the latter two. Get them. It's worth it. "With Fire and Sword" is not available through amazon.com, though, unless you want to get a used one. You might want to try doing it directly through the publisher, Hippocrene books. Once again, for anyone who loves to read, I recommend all four of these books and all of Sienkiewicz's books. Don't let the long name scare you away. In my opinion, he is the greatest author of all time.

30 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars He did it again, March 2, 2000

By 

Roberto T Helguera - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Teutonic Knights (Hardcover)

I read the Teutonic Knights after Sienkiewicz' famous trilogy on Poland which begins with his With Fire and Sword (much recommneded). I thought I would not, could not, find heroes as great as those I found there. As happened each time I finished a volume of the trilogy, I found I was mistaken, and on the same account. Sienkiewicz, a master at creating truly human and noble heroes in tough historical times, did it again. He once again created another hero and befriended me to him to the point where I admired him like one admires a great and faithful friend. I found myself adding him to the company of the likes of Pan Schetushki, Kmita and Volodyovski (see the Trilogy). If you have been told about the trilogy and do not dare undertake 4,000 pages of great reading, start with the Teutonic Knights. It will introduce you to Sienkiewicz and whet your appetite for more...

If only for its most interesting historical context, and to learn about Poland's (or rather Lithuania's) view of itself and Germany, you should read this book. It will explain much of what happened in later centuries between both countries. If only because it is a literary masterpiece, you should read this book. If only because it is hard to find truly romantic novels nowadays, with real virtues and real values, and real lovers not centered on their eros but on real love, you should read this book. If all else fails, you should read it because it will unlock the mistery of a most beautiful equestrian statue placed on the center of Central Park in Manhattan (close to the "castle") of a Polish king, who is famous for defeating the Teutonic Knights and all they represented. When you finish this book, you will wonder why you did not know about it before. You will treasure it for your children.

20 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Chivalry is NOT Dead, May 25, 2002

By 

D. Martin (APO, AE United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Teutonic Knights (Hardcover)

I found this book while doing research on the Teutonic Knights because I enjoy writing fantasy based on medieval themes and I'm planning to visit their old castle at Malbork. Instead of a reference book I found something better--an excellent look at what life was like in medieval Poland, chivalry, and how religion fit into the lives of those noble people.

If you're looking for something with a lot of blood and guts then don't buy this book. It may have some interesting fight scenes but what makes it great is the interaction between the characters. Courtly love is vividly portrayed as well as the relationship between lord/lady and vassel. The integrity of certain knights in contrast to the corruption of others gives the story a sense of realism.

The only gripe I had was due to not being able to pronounce some of the Polish names. I wish the translator included a pronounciation guide for laymen like myself. However this doesn't diminish from the five star rating.

I can't wait to read more titles by this author.