Product Description

The Order of the Temple, founded in 1119 to protect pilgrims around Jerusalem, developed into one of the most influential corporations in the medieval world. It has retained its hold on the modern imagination thanks to the dramatic events of the Templars’ trial and abolition two hundred years later, and has been involved in historical mysteries from masonic conspiracy to the survival of the Turin shroud. Malcolm Barber’s lucid narrative separates myth from history in this full and detailed account of the Order, from its origins, flourishing and suppression to the Templars’ historical afterlife.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #101784 in Books
• Published on: 1995-09-28
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 465 pages

Review
‘Established twenty years after the First Crusade’s capture of Jerusalem from the Muslims, the Templars evolved into one of the most powerful military orders of the Middle Ages. The story of their rise and sensational fall is the subject of this splendid book.’ The Observer

‘This splendid history does away with the nonsense surrounding the Templars … and sets them firmly within the context of Medieval society.’ Good Book Guide

Customer Reviews

The definitive history of the Templars
This books chronicles the history of the Poor Knights of Christ of the Temple of Solomon from their founding to their supression and down to the present day. Along with Templar history, Professor Barber provides us with detailed looks at the daily lives and commercial activities of these legendary knights of Christ. It would be difficult to imagine a history of the Templars done any better than this. Barber's tone is judicious and restrained and, unlike far too many writers on this subject, does not get carried away. And he neatly demolishes all the survival myths and secret society stories that have grown up around the Templars. An essential book.

Sober portrait of the Templars
Relying solely on reliable sources and scientifically sober methods, Barber keeps his promise and tells the history - not the post-mystified story - of the Knights Templar.

This work gives a clear overview of this age of history for new readers of the subject and provides readers with more background knowledge with new details and enterpretations.

Barber never goes to far in trying to influence the reader with farfetched theories (as do Baigent, Leigh and Lincoln), but he lets the reader decide for him- og herself the more delicate conclusions.

Succint, unbiased and thorough.
Barber has done an excellent job of condensing a great number of references into a well written and well argued book, which I would suggest any reader interested in the Templars or the Crusades to read. Moreover, the book is a very good companion to Barber's previous effort (The Trial of the Templars) which delves more into the events surrounding the trial.