The Last Templar: The Tragedy of Jacques de Molay, Last Grand Master of the Temple [Hardcover]

Alain Demurger (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 30, 2004 | ISBN-10: 1861975295 | ISBN-13: 978-1861975294

Between 1307 and 1310, Pope Clement V and the devious King Philip the Fair of France brought to trial the crusading Order of the Knights of the Temple, one of the most powerful institutions of the medieval world. Jacques de Molay, the Temple’s last Grand Master, was at the heart of the events in which the chivalric ideal was ousted by treachery and greed. Here, Alain Demurger traces Jacques de Molay’s dazzling career and provides a vivid retelling of the drama of his and his Order’s last days. It is a compelling account of one of the most gruesome episodes in European history.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'This is probably the definitive account not only of de Molay, but also of the political and financial factors at play in the closing years of the Temple' - Fortean Times

'Scrupulously detailed' - The Times

'A well researched and thorough book' - Observer

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

From the Publisher

Between 1307 and 1310, Pope Clement V and the devious King Philip the Fair of France brought to trial the crusading Order of the Knights of the Temple, one of the most powerful institutions of the medieval world. Jacques de Molay, the Temple's last Grand Master, was at the heart of the events in which the chivalric ideal was ousted by treachery and greed. Here, Alain Demurger traces Jacques de Molay's dazzling career and provides a vivid retelling of the drama of his and his Order's last days. A compelling account of one of the most gruesome episodes in European history. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 282 pages
• Publisher: Profile Books (October 30, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1861975295
• ISBN-13: 978-1861975294
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.1 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,044,610 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars could be better, June 29, 2005

By 

Nikolai G. "Egir" (London, UK) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Last Templar: The Tragedy of Jacques de Molay, Last Grand Master of the Temple (Hardcover)

To tell you the truth, I was rather bored reading this book. Especially the first 50-100 pages, although afterwards it does appear to develop a more logical pace...

The fact remains that about the early part of de Molay's life we know little, and the researcher is bound to jump into numerous conclusions, which could possibly to become the subject of some debate. Taking things for granted is permissible to some extent, especially if there are at least some circumstantial evidence, but such approach must be highly careful, a quality Demourger doesn't show to fully appreciate at times. Having said that, I don't consider this book a bad read. The writer's conclusions seem rational enough, and it is evident that the man approaches the subject seriously. So maybe it's just the style of Demourger's writing that made me suffer at the beginning of this book...

One constant irritation was that the author doesn't always stick to the subject, but "wonders off" at times.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent addition to medieval history shelves, September 9, 2009

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Last Templar: The Tragedy of Jacques de Molay, Last Grand Master of the Temple (Paperback)

Now in a new edition, published in the U.S. for the first time and with the addition of an epilogue, The Last Templar: The Tragedy of Jacques de Molay is an in-depth examination of the arrest, trial, and devastating punishment of the Order of the Knights of the Temple, also known as the Templars. In October of 2007, the Vatican chose to publish original documents on the trial of the Templars; the new epilogue pays especial attention to these documents, looking beyond the hype to scrutinize the significance and legacy of one of medieval history's most famous trials. An excellent addition to medieval history shelves, The Last Templar is particularly recommended for college library collections.

3.0 out of 5 stars Academic and Pretty Dry, July 25, 2010

By 

Edward J. Barton (Tukwila, WA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Last Templar: The Tragedy of Jacques de Molay, Last Grand Master of the Temple (Paperback)

THis is a pretty academic work on the biography of Jacques de Molay, the last Grand Master of the Order of the Temple. In truth, his whole biography is summed up in the last chapter - there isn't much to go on, and if anything, the author, in painting a balanced view of de Molay, tries to understand the truth behind the legends. In essence, de Molay is seen as a relatively simple man, with a temper, that was ill equipped for leading the order in a post-crusades politically charged Europe. The book itself is not that fun to read, and it proved to be very dry. If you have a passion for the Templars or de Molay, you might find it worth picking up. If you don't, take a pass on it.