Starting with the Great Schism in 1053 and ending with the discovery of the New World in 1492, 'A Clash of Thrones' shows how kings relied on military campaigns and political intrigue while the Popes exploited their power struggles to their own ends. Islamic infidels and heretical religions are attacked by crusades that were not entirely "Christian" in their moral outlook. From the Holy Roman Emperor to the Knights Templar, powerful men and organisations all vied for power and plunder. Each country has its history and legends. Murder, campaigns, politics, intrigue, torture, marriage; you had to master them all to become a successful king. Poisoning, plague, illness, accidents; you had to avoid them all to remain a successful king. Here are the lives and deaths of the most important people in medieval Europe; the Heirs and their Disgraces. AUTHOR: Andrew Rawson is a freelance writer who has 25 books to his name. He has written eight books for Pen and Sword's 'Battleground Europe' series and three reference books for The History Press 'Handbook' series. He has edited 'Eyes Only: The Top Secret Correspondence between Marshall and Eisenhower' and 'Organizing Victory: The War Conferences 1941–1945'. He has also volumes on the British Army's 1914 campaign and the 1916 battle of the Somme. He has a master's degree with Birmingham University's history department. Andrew lives in Mallorca, Spain. SELLING POINTS: . History without the boring bits, about the most 'fashionable' era in the media today . While not an academic treatise, this medieval motley is written by an accomplished historian. . Covers the whole of Europe, not just Britain, to catch in the net every power-crazed plotter, from Sicily to Sweden. 25 colour illustrations