From humble beginnings as a hospital brotherhood in Jerusalem to centuries of power in the Mediterranean, the Knights Hospitaller forged a legacy of faith, courage, and intellect that shaped history. This definitive account explores the Order's rise as warriors of Christendom, their fortress stronghold on Malta, and their role in defending Europe against Ottoman expansion and piracy. Matthew Taylor delves deep into their military campaigns, diplomatic maneuvers, scientific innovations, and...

From the tribal warriors of the early Rhine to the towering figure of Charlemagne, The Franks: Builders of an Empire tells the epic story of a people who shaped the course of European history. This comprehensive account spans centuries, exploring their origins, military conquests, political innovations, religious integration, and cultural achievements.Delve into the rise of the Merovingian kings, the strategic genius of the mayors of the palace, and the breathtaking expansion of th...

Spanning nearly two centuries of conflict, The Crusades: Knights, Kingdoms, and the Holy War delivers a vivid, immersive account of one of history's most dramatic eras.From the fervent call to arms of the First Crusade to the fall of Acre and the decline of the Crusader states, Matthew Taylor explores not just battles and sieges, but the human experiences behind them. Discover the lives of knights, nobles, women, pilgrims, and civilians as they navigated war, faith, and survival in...

Before England was a kingdom, before its laws, its villages, or even its name, the land was shaped by a remarkable people: the Saxons. From fierce warriors and skilled craftsmen to devoted farmers and visionary leaders, the Saxons forged a culture of resilience, faith, and endurance that would lay the foundations of a nation.This immersive history explores every facet of Saxon life—daily labour, family, art, religion, and the struggles that defined an era. Follow their encounters w...

The Vandals—a people often remembered as ruthless raiders—were far more than the myths suggest. Vandals: Masters of the Mediterranean tells the epic story of a kingdom that rose from the forests of Central Europe to dominate the western Mediterranean, leaving a lasting mark on history.From daring migrations through Gaul and Hispania to the audacious capture of Carthage, this book reveals the Vandals as brilliant strategists, masterful sailors, and innovative rulers. It explores the...

Step into the world of the most legendary and mysterious military order in history. From their origins in the Holy Land to their rise as the defenders of Christendom, the Knights Templar forged a legacy of courage, discipline, and devotion. This twenty-chapter book delves deep into their battles, fortresses, secret networks, and unyielding faith. Explore their intelligence operations, financial mastery, and rigorous training that made them an unrivaled force, and follow their dramatic down...

From nomadic tribes roaming the forests and river valleys of early Europe to the architects of powerful kingdoms that shaped the continent, the Goths left an indelible mark on history. The Goths: From Tribes to Kingdoms takes readers on a sweeping journey through centuries of migration, warfare, culture, and diplomacy, revealing the complexity, resilience, and influence of this remarkable people.Through twenty detailed chapters, historian Matthew Taylor explores Gothic society in d...

Arcade Chaos: 30 Games That Defined an Era by Matthew Taylor is a vibrant and immersive exploration of the golden age of arcade gaming. Spanning thirty classic titles from the 1980s and early 1990s, this book dives deep into the history, gameplay mechanics, consoles, cheats, and cultural impact of each iconic game. From the gritty streets of Streets of Rage to the prehistoric mayhem of Cadillacs and Dinosaurs, readers are transported into the chaotic, pixelated worlds that defined a genera...

Blackwood Boarding School has stood empty for years, its halls sealed, its doors left closed, and its history quietly forgotten. When Daniel Harker takes the job as caretaker, his task is simple—inspect the building, record its condition, and ensure nothing has been disturbed.At first, everything appears as expected. Locked doors remain locked. Empty rooms stay untouched. The silence is constant, predictable.But then small things begin to change.A door left closed i...

Blackbeard the Pirate is the definitive, meticulously researched account of Edward Teach, the man whose name has become synonymous with the Golden Age of Piracy. From his rise along the Caribbean and American coasts to his audacious blockades, alliances, and legendary battle at Ocracoke Inlet, this book explores every aspect of his life. Beyond the myths and dramatized tales, Matthew Taylor delves into little-known facts about Blackbeard's strategies, intelligence networks, crew management...

Tells the story of the thousands of enslaved African Americans who fled to British forces during the war in what became the largest emancipation of enslaved Americans until the abolition of slavery in the United States. During the Anglo-American War of 1812, British forces launched hundreds of amphibious raids on the United States. The richest parts of the United States were slave-states, and thousands of enslaved African Americans fled to British forces in what was to be the largest emanc...

The day slips away from the world, and John throws his 87’ Ford in gear at four forty-five in the afternoon. A cooler of bud bottles already open, he hooks a right on Washtenaw from College Place. Passing the Water Tower at Summit on his left, shifting into third with his right. Drinking into between shifts a Bud bottle between his legs.Passing by his future Origine of reference, the Water Tower opens a slice of the setting sun on 9/11.A forward-looking angle of light refra...