Keynote
A story of faith which turned into an
obsession. The story of one of the bestknown
military orders, which became
Poland and Lithuania’s deadliest enemy in
the Middle Ages.

Selling Points
 An important, comprehensive story
about an extremely important period in
Polish history, the echoes of which are still
present in Polish culture to this day.
 A suspenseful book, full of legends and
myths which occasionally contain more
than a little truth.
 The history of the Teutonic Knights
hides no less secrets than that of
the Knights Templars.
 A historical snapshot of medieval Central
and Eastern Europe.
 Leśniewski’s books – owing to his vivid
language and literary talent – can be read
like gripping adventure stories.
 The author doesn’t shy away from
controversial, sometimes even
revolutionary historical interpretations,
thus shining new light on many apparently
obvious facts.
 History told in colourful and vibrant
prose, and not using dry, academic facts.
 The author has multiple bestselling
history books to his name.

Description
The history of the Teutonic Knights
begins in the twelfth century, when it was
founded in order to protect Christians
on pilgrimages to the Holy Land. But
following yet another defeated crusade
it had to relocate to Europe. In 1226,
Polish Duke Conrad of Mazovia, unable
to cope with invasions by pagan Prussian
tribes, invited them to be his vassals.
That decision is considered one of
the worst in Poland’s history. The Order
quickly subdued Prussia, and then began
to build a mighty, military state, with
whom Poland waged a bloody war for
several centuries. The Teutonic Knights,
supported by the Vatican, were a mortal
threat to the then young state. To this
day, the conflicts between Poland and
the Teutonic Knights, including the Battle
of Grunwald, the greatest battle of
Europe’s medieval armies, are a defining
part of Polish cultural identity.
In his book, Sławomir Leśniewski
compellingly presents an account of
the clash between the two civilizations
that lasted several centuries. He also
explores the many mysteries, legends
and myths which sprang up around
the Teutonic Knights. And there are no
fewer than in the case of the Knights
Templar.

Target Market
Fans of history books, particularly those
who that popularize European history
e.g. Norman Davies.
Lovers of documentary writing, reportage,
and non-fiction.
People interested in the history of Poland
and Central Europe.