Cohen , R. - Knights of Malta 1523-1798 (Non-Fiction/History)

This elaborate essay covers the story of the Knights of Malta (aka The Hospitallers, aka Order of St. John, etc.), the other great knight order besides the Templar Knights (the dandy darlings of cooky conspiracy theorists across all ages and continents). Founded - like the Templars - in Jerusalem during the Crusades, they, too, are driven from Palestine and occupy several islands in the Mediterranean, battling the Saracens  (aka "The heathens") by sea. Yes, this is serious knights-vs.-pirates-mayhem, plus epic land battles (Siege of Malta, etc.). The order had chapters all over Europe and only bowed to the Pope, no one else. Was very wealthy, too.

Very interesting compact history of these power players of European politics during late Medieval centuries. BTW, the order is still around, having returned to their original vocation: Abandoning wholesale slaughter in the name of their faith, they're back aiding the ailing. The Maltese Order (catholic branch) and the Order of St. John (protestant branch) returned in the 19th Century to health care and today operate ambulances services and hospitals in several countries (e.g. the UK and Germany), serving the people and setting shining examples of mercy and compassion, just as they once set the standard in the most esteemed values of another and quite different age. -- DJV 2005