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...

"Required reading for anyone seeking to understand Christian nationalism." —Kristin Kobes Du Mez, author of Jesus and John WayneA propulsive account of the network of charismatic Christians that consolidated support for Donald Trump and is reshaping religion and politics in the US.Over the last decade, the Religious Right has evolved. Some of the more extreme beliefs of American evangelicalism have begun to take hold in the mainstr...

In the years before the Civil War, many Americans saw the sea as a world apart, an often violent and insular culture governed by its own definitions of honor and ruled by its own authorities. The truth, however, is that legal cases that originated at sea had a tendency to come ashore and force the national government to address questions about personal honor, dignity, the rights of labor, and the meaning and privileges of citizenship, often for the first time. By examining how and why merc...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...