40 of 41 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Great History both of the Templars and their times, January 22, 2010
This review is from: The Templars: The History and the Myth: From Solomon's Temple to the Freemasons (Paperback)
Anytime I pick up a book with "The History and the Myth" of some subject in the title, there is usually more myth still being presented as history than history itself and the book turns out to be a disappointment. This book is surprisingly different and surprisingly readable.
For one thing, the book is not just about the Templars, but about the Templars and their times (from their inception Christmas Day, 1119 to November, 1312, when Pope Clementine, under pressure from the king of France, Philip IV, disbanded the group and ordered all Christian monarchs to arrest them and seize their assets). In learning about the Templars, you also learn a lot about the first Crusades, the history of Europe and the Roman Catholic Church, the Byzantine Empire, Saladin (conqueror of Jerusalem), and a host of other matters and people.
For another, the actual background and history of the Templars is much more interesting, and fascinating, than any fictionalized accounts in the movies, think Indiana Jones, or books, think Dan Brown novels.
There are many reasons the Templars did not fade into history after being disbanded. This book ably reviews them all, including their renown at the time as warriors (although somewhat surprising only about a tenth of its members were actually frontline fighters) and code of conduct, their wealth as an Order, and their construction of great castles and cathedrals.
Overall, the book is a very worthy, and up to date, history on this fascinating group.
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13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A Very Informative Book about the Templars, March 14, 2010
This review is from: The Templars: The History and the Myth: From Solomon's Temple to the Freemasons (Paperback)
Though I have only read several chapters of this book I am facinated with the historical and mythical information contained therein. The book appears to be highly researched, organized, and is easily readable. The author, Michael Haag, seems to have quite the historical and educational background for this time period making him very knowledgeable and qualified for such an undertaking. Thusfar I like this book alot. It is a good resource for those wishing to do research in this area as well as for those brothers in freemasonary desiring or seeking further enlightenment.
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good and honest, March 9, 2010
This review is from: The Templars: The History and the Myth: From Solomon's Temple to the Freemasons (Paperback)
Michael Haag's book is an honest history that is well-researched, relying on documented history rather than myth and speculation. It does address all the hoopla surrounding the order in an excellent chapter entitled "Conspiracies" where he sheds light on many myths. The photos of famous Templar places at the end of the book are also welcome. My only criticism is the short shrift he gives to the later crusades, in particular the Richard the Lion Heart era which only warrents a page or two. Like many books on the Templars, at times the focus wanders to a discussion of the crusades in general. Although to some extent the context is necessary, more detail on the Templars proper, especially during the 1200's, would have strengthened the book.
All in all a good book, but if you are already a crusade/Templar buff there won't be too much new aside from a nice discussion on the Chinon parchmant and other recent discoveries.
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