Thomas Freller The German Langue of the Order of Malta

Annotation

Freller gives a marvelous introduction to the history of the German langue of the Knights of Malta, an organization that has survived innumerable political changes over the centuries. He begins with the inception of the Order as the Hospitallers, a group of monks who provided shelter for pilgrims in Jerusalem. He continues through their metamorphosis into a military order, their settlement in Rhodes after the loss of the Holy Land and then their conquest of Malta. Freller begins each chapter with an overview of events in the rest of Europe as background to the vicissitudes of the Knights. The early modern period is one rarely examined in terms of the Knights of Malta, particularly the German members. The formation of Protestant commanderies is one of the most surprising developments. After Malta being invaded by Napoleon, the Order was driven from the island but continued to lobby for a return. Freller brings the Order to the present in which it has returned to its charitable roots. For those who wish to study further, he has provided an extensive bibliography, including unedited charters and letters.