The novel by the modern famous Russian writer-historian V. Balyazin tells about one of the crusades of the 14th century, the purpose of which was the liberation of the Holy Sepulcher, captured by infidels. In the center of the story is a German knight, a historical character Johann von Schiltberger, who left behind one of the most interesting historical and geographical essays. Appendices by A. Toroptsev - about knightly orders, the Image of a Real Knight and the chronology of the 14th century - will help the reader better understand the historical setting of the events described.