Product Description

A highly readable look at the lifespan of the famous Knights Templar who were warrior monks and the first disciplined, regulated and uniformed standing army since antiquity throughout Europe and the Holy Lands and who also were an economic force to be reckoned with and perhaps an institution guarding dark secrets.

- The origins of the concept of Holy War, from Biblical times through the rise of Islam and the Christian movement which inspired untold thousands to set out to recapture Jerusalem, as warriors and as pilgrims.

- How nine knights led by Hugues de Payens came from France to guard pilgrims in the Holy Land and how they gained the site of the Temple of Solomon and what they did there including a reevaluation of the historical evidence.

- How an unprecedented religious Order grew, pledged to bloodshed in defense of pilgrims and the territory conquered by the Crusaders and the role and agenda of Saint Bernard of Clairvaux and other powerful backers.

- The Order's contribution to the ongoing Crusades, their military tactics and organization and the fortresses and bases they established.

- The fate of the Order after the failure of the Crusades including detailed examination of the charges of occult rituals involving idol worship, spitting on the Cross and obscene kisses, through to the burning of the last Grand Master Jacques de Molay in 1314.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #668559 in Books
• Published on: 2003-09
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 200 pages

Customer Reviews

A Splendid Addition to a Research Library
The Rise And Fall Of The Knights Templar by Gordon Napier is a meticulously researched, well written examination of the rise and fall of one of the world's most mysterious groups: The Poor Fellow Soldiers of Christ and the Temple of Solomon.

Within the context of this work, Mr. Napier displays an impressive array of talents; his deft handling of the topic leads us through the knight's tragic story with both a scholar's passion for research, as well as an artist's flair for detail. So whether you are a serious student of Templar History, or just looking for a good, solid over-view of this topic, I recommend this book highly.

Below average read
This was a highly anticipated purchase and read for me but I came away very displeased with Gordon Napiers book.

Rather than go into any detail, Gordon Napier skipped from one subject to another before the reader could catch your breath. In other words, this book is nothing more than an overview with little detail and excessive use of puncuation. Quite honestly, I came away from this book knowing as little as I did when I started it.

I rate this book 1 star and this is only for the cover art only and recommend that readers who wish to gain more knowledge try other authors with more skill and knowledge.

Excellent Book for Newcomers and Experts
This book is very easy to read and well thought-out. Mr Napier expertly introduces you to the myriad of influences on both sides of the Crusades, from the call of the First Crusade to the fall of Acre. Finally, he takes the reader through the events that led up to, and after, the arrests and imprisonment of the Templars in 1307. Perhaps the greatest things the author brings to this book is his own obviously extensive research and also what must be a keen interest. Although the topics can be overwhelming, he takes his time to ensure that the reader has a firm grasp of concepts. A great addition for anyone from history buffs to acomplished scholars.

Amazon may have a shipping problem but I can't reflect that in my score... the book holds such a wonderful blend of simplicity, yet substance... two BIG thumbs up. Well worth the wait!