Lichtenstein: The Knight Who Defied an Empire

Lichtenstein: The Knight Who Defied an Empire is a historical adventure novel adapted for classroom use from Wilhelm Hauff’s 1826 German classic. Set in early sixteenth-century Germany during the exile and restoration of Duke Ulrich of Württemberg, the novel follows the young knight Georg von Sturmfeder as he confronts a moral conflict between obedience to authority and loyalty to conscience.

Living under foreign rule imposed by the Holy Roman Empire and the Swabian League, Georg is drawn into a dangerous struggle shaped by political intrigue, personal loyalty, and the enduring ideals of chivalry. Guided by his devotion to the Lady of Lichtenstein and his belief in honor as a lived commitment rather than a title, Georg must decide what justice demands when law and morality no longer align.

Designed for Grades 7-12, this YA Classroom Edition presents the story in clear, modern English while preserving the tone, structure, and historical character of the original text. The novel reflects a world in transition, where medieval social customs and chivalric values continued to shape daily life within an emerging early modern political order.

This edition includes historical and cultural notes that provide context on early modern Germany, the Holy Roman Empire, and the ethical codes governing noble life. Suitable for whole-class study, literature circles, or independent reading, Lichtenstein facilitates instruction in historical fiction, character development, theme analysis, and discussions of moral choice across time.

This Classroom Edition is supported by instructional materials aligned with the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts (CCSS ELA), including close reading, textual analysis, evidence-based discussion, and analytical and narrative writing for Grades 7-12.