The presence and history of the Order of St John in various regions of the lands of Germany and East Europe has been researched in several aspects but a comphrensive work on the langue of Germany as such has never been written. This book presents an overview of the 800 years of the history of the Hospitallers in Germany and in the lands of the former 'Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation'. Because of the vastness of the subject, the book does not pretend to be an in-depth study of this subject but is a basic outline of the development of the institution and of the most important events connected with it. The book is aimed at the general reader as well as at the specialist, who will find indications for further reading on single aspects and events.