Tracing its origins to the eleventh century, the Sovereign Military Order of Malta can look back over a history of fortitude in the face of challenge, of courage in battle, of compassion for those in need. Today, the Order is one of the world"s most effective humanitarian organisations, with 12,500 members, 80,000 permanent volunteers, and over 20,000 medical personnel, including doctors, nurses, auxiliaries and paramedics. The goal is to assist the elderly, handicapped, refugees, children, the homeless, those with terminal illness and leprosy in five continents of the world, without distraction of race or religion. Through its worldwide relief corps the Order is also engaged to aid victims of natural disasters, epidemics and armed conflicts. The Order of Malta: A Portrait is the first volume to offer a global panorama of the Order"s efforts and activities. Through compelling photo-reportage from the front line, the book brings the day-to-day commitment of the Order"s volunteers vividly to life as well as portraying the humanity of those they serve.