Come for the Holy War, stay for dessert

Re:Generation mag has a fascinating cover story on medieval Christendom's fantasies of the mystical and magical East, and one Prester John in particular.

With lavish decor, mood lighting, and burning incense, Prester John’s crib offered all the sensual pleasures Europeans loved in their stories of exotic East without the slightest hint of impropriety. A good Christian really could have it all.