num_pages: 497
description: Don Juan of Austria one of historys most triumphant and inspiring heroes is reborn in this opulent novel by Louis de Wohl. Because of the circumstances of his birth this last son of Emperor Charles the Fifth spent his childhood in a Spanish peasants hut. Acknowledged by King Philip as his half-brother the attractive youth quickly became a central figure in a Court where intrigues and romances abounded. Don Juans intelligence kindness and devout attachment to the Church enabled him to live unscathed in an environment of luxury violence and treachery. De Wohl paints in brilliant color the vivid scenes and characters at the Court of King Philip Juans campaign against rebel Moriscos in Andalusia and the amazing climatic victory at Lepanto where he saved the Christian world from Islamic dominance. Here is a novel of high adventure which brings to life the turbulence of the sixteenth century with its conflicts of wickedness and piety its sins of pride and conquest its seething heresies and its great faith. Written with zest and excitement; the battle scenes are excellent.  Los Angeles Times A novel of heroic proportions . . . richly rewarding.  Christian Herald Color . . . action . . .romance splendor and intrigue reaches a flaming climax.  Chicago Tribune A page-turning thriller. Exhilarating!  Joseph Pearce Author The Quest for Shakespeare In his epic poem Lepanto Chesterton called Don Juan the the last knight of Europe. This thrilling tale is about things that really happened!  Dale Ahlquist Editor Lepanto  The Annotated Edition De Wohl novels are always mentioned by my radio audience as among their favorite reads.  Al Kresta Host Kresta in the Afternoon Louis de Wohl was a highly acclaimed novelist who wrote numerous best selli
language: English
title: The Last Crusader: A Novel about Don Juan of Austria
publisher: Ignatius Press