The Knights Templar "corporation" lasted some two centuries - from their beginnings about 1191 to their leaders arrest in France on Friday 13 October 1307. Many of us first came across the Templars in books such as "Ivanhoe" when we were young, but the reality of overseas military operations in "Outremer" (the Christian crusader states) during the 12th and 13 centuries was far more complex. Enormous expenditures of money and men were required, which in turn, necessitated a very large support organization throughout Europe for money, men, and supplies. Raising money, men, and horses was an ongoing effort. I was surprised at the cost to equip and maintain just one knight in Outremer, and the consequences to the Order of sometimes losing several hundred knights in a single battle. There was never enough knights.
The author concisely and in detail describes the Templar history from records as are now available, both western and eastern, as the Templar archives in Cypress were destroyed by the Ottomans in 1571. The first five chapters discusses the origins of the order, the concept of a military monastic organization, the rise of the Templars from their simple roots, to the last years of the Order in Outremer. There are chapters on Templar life and rules, the support and supply network, and the end of the Order in the early 14th century. The last chapter discusses several legends that have grown up around the Templars. The very detail may, however, put off the reader looking for a casual history. The book needs a glossary to define medieval military and religious terms.
All in all an excellent book, but one which may require more than one reading. It is recommended.
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The front is scratched up so badly it doesn't look new at all.
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Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on January 15, 2001
Informative. Poorly written. If you are conspiracy sleuth and looking for proof that Templars were Satanists, stay away.
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on September 24, 2017
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John Hesterin
Unfortunate condition
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Superb quality.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on May 23, 2020
