Throughout their stormy history the Teutonic Knights of Germany have always been the most controversial brotherhood ever to call themselves 'Knights of Christ'.

They were the most warlike of the religious orders, and this is reflected in the architecture they left behind. In contrast to the Templars who are remembered for their churches, the Teutonic memorials are the magnificent brick-built castles they built as a result of their conquest of Prussia between 1230 and 1380.

Beautifully illustrated throughout, this book explores the design and development of these dramatic fortresses, many of which survive today in modern-day Poland, a unique example of an architectural style that closely reflects the nature of the Order.