Product Description

In the wake of the phenomenal success of The Da Vinci Code, interest in the Knights Templar has never been higher—and their final days is one of the great stories of the Middle Ages. This pioneering study investigates the decline and fall of the mighty Knights Templar and their last Grand Master.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1085886 in Books
• Published on: 2005-01-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 304 pages

Review
'a complex story of greed, chivalry, and, ultimately, execution.' Good Book Guide

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.

About the Author
Alain Demurger is an honorary lecturer in Medieval History at the University of Paris.

Customer Reviews

could be better
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.

An excellent addition to medieval history shelves
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.

Foresically Tasty
I must disagree with the previous reviews. This book neither wanders nor loses its track. It is a forensic examination of the life of Jacques de Molay which, because of the lack of much documentary evidence, widens its examination to include the times and other personalities to get a sense of what is possible and normal for a man the period. Wherever possible, though, all conclusions and inferences are drawn from primary sources and original rather than second hand material. It is refreshing to see the French tradition, as opposed to the Anglo-German interpretation, of the Templars, their Order and final days. This is perhaps not a book for the average reader but for a medieval scholar it is invaluable reading.