London, November 2012. The Chancery is pleased to inform members that Valentine Mitchell has published the long awaited biography of Sir Sigmund Sternberg, a Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Order of Francis I. The book entitled ‘The Knight with Many Hats’ is written by Emma Klein.
Born and raised in a comfortable, middle-class family in Hungary, on the eve of the Second World War the 18-year-old Sir Sigmund was forced to flee. He joined his extended family in Britain, helping his cousin Solomon Schonfeld in his attempts to rescue children from Germany. As an enemy alien, his options for earning a living were extremely limited as he was not allowed to seek paid employment.
Undaunted, Sir Sigmund began to trade in scrap metal, and from these small beginnings he built up a company so successful that, by 1965, even though he was relatively young, he was able to sell most of his business interests to devote his time to charitable interests.
Sir Sigmund has made a unique contribution to the furtherance of relations between Christians and Jews. He breathed new life into the Council of Christians and Jews, and went on to found The Three Faiths Forum, together with the Revd Marcus Braybrooke and the late Sheikh Dr Zaki Badawi, which has brought Muslims into the sphere of interfaith dialogue.
In addition to his high recognition from the Constantinian Order, Sir Sigmund has received innumerable awards for his endeavours, including a British knighthood, a Papal knighthood and the Templeton Prize for Progress in Religion. This authorised biography, gives readers fascinating insights into Sir Sigmund’s family, friends and colleagues, and documents the philanthropy and charitable work that he has devoted his life to.
The book is available to Order members and their friends at a reduced price of £19 (RRP £25) plus postage and packing. Please contact the Chancery by telephone on (+44) 020 7594 0275, by fax on (+44) 020 7594 0265, or by e-mail at chancery@constantinian.org.uk