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: #1000548 in Books
• Published on: 2006-05-01
• Format: Illustrated
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 200 pages

About the Author
(Location:Princes Risborough, Bucks) is a writer and artist with a keen interest in the culture of Middle Ages who has devoted several years to exploring the mysteries of the Templars.

Customer Reviews

A well-researched, in-depth, scholarly account
The Rise And Fall Of The Knights Templar by writer, artist, and medieval history expert Gordon Napier is a truly remarkable work drawing upon all that contemporary historical research can assemble concerning this ancient knightly order's heyday, its participation in the Crusades, and its ultimate decline to the point that Philip the Fair, King of France, would accuse them of monstrous crimes and heresies, thereby unleashing the lethal forces of the Inquisition against them. A well-researched, in-depth, scholarly account that seeks to draw as balanced an interpretation as possible from the legacy of evidence and testimonies that has survived the centuries, The Rise And Fall Of The Knights Templar will prove a valued addition to collegiate Medieval Studies collections and wonderfully accessible to non-specialist general readers with an interest in the fabled Knights Templar.

Non-Sensational history of Knight Templars
I've read several books on Knight Templars. This books provides an outstanding historical view into their lives and history. Many books claim them to posses mystical powers. This books explains some of the stories that are attributed to Templars, but with a clear explanations and without creating any sensations. A must have for anybody who is interested in Freemasonry and Knight Templars in general.

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!