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The Knights Templar (Pocket Essentials)
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Product Description
Product Description
The Templars have exerted a unique influence over European history: orthodox historians see them as nothing more than soldier-monks whose arrogance was their ultimate undoing, while others see them as occultists of the first order, the founders of Freemasonry, possessors of the Holy Grail and creators of the Turin Shroud. Sean Martin considers both the orthodox and conspiratorial version of events, and includes the latest revelations from the Vatican Library.
About the Author
Sean Martin worked in the book trade for many years. He is now a writer and film-maker with a particular interest in the history and symbolism of alchemy. He has just directed his first feature film.
--This text refers to the
Hardcover
edition.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
87 of 89 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Details.
Sean Martin's book is a good starting point from which to study the Knights Templar. Three essential points commend his book;
The book is an easy read. This is not due to its short length (132 pages of text - uk edition) but due to the author's easygoing style. With some books you can struggle with the text, especially those that weave complex themes throughout the narrative. With this book, the subject matter is presented clearly and there is a flow to the text.
The book gives a clear and useful survey of the history of the Knights Templar, from their foundation to their suppression in 1307.
The book makes clear what we know about the Templars and what belongs to the realm of speculation.
Sean Martin's book is a good starting point from which to study the Knights Templar. Three essential points commend his book;
The book is an easy read. This is not due to its short length (132 pages of text - uk edition) but due to the author's easygoing style. With some books you can struggle with the text, especially those that weave complex themes throughout the narrative. With this book, the subject matter is presented clearly and there is a flow to the text.
The book gives a clear and useful survey of the history of the Knights Templar, from their foundation to their suppression in 1307.
The book makes clear what we know about the Templars and what belongs to the realm of speculation.
The introduction to the book explores the various images that people have held, or still hold, concerning the Knights Templar, from the historical to the speculative. The historical survey in the book, provides details such as the background to the First Crusade and the foundation of the Templars in response to a need to have at hand a standing army. Discussed is the theological underpinning by St Bernhard (who as revealed by Martin, was a nephew of one of the Templars), which perhaps in this day and age we might call "spin". The act of killing an enemy of the cross (and we must remember that Islam had overrun the Christian East - and such warfare in which the Templars were involved, was seeking to reclaim territory) was not "homicide" but "malecide" - the eradication of evil! Martin reminds the reader of the extensive European support network, which is often forgotten, that allowed the support by the Templars to maintaining the Christian nations in the Holy Land. Brought into relief is the very close and interwoven relationship with France (as part of the support network) and in particular with the French Monarchy, which ultimately brought the downfall of the Templars. There are of course some elements in the Templars history, where there are real gaps in what we know. Martin is aware of those authors who seek to fill these gaps by speculation. In the Bibliography, the books are divided into two groups; "Orthodox", and "Speculative", which should assist any reader who seeks to follow up the history in closer detail. Sean Martin however does not forsake entirely the area of these gaps in our knowledge which is known as the "Templar Mysteries" For example; (a) that the exact beginnings of the Order are shrouded in mystery - when were they actually formed?, (b) what was going on at the Templar Site on the Temple Mount - what did they find there?, (c) did the Templars possess the Holy Grail (the chalice used at the Last Supper)?, (d) what was the Templars relationship with the Arab world?, (e) were the Templars heretics?, (d) did they worship some strange head?, (e) what happened the Templar treasure and Fleet?, (f) what happened to those Templars which escaped imprisonment and execution? These questions all form the last chapter in the book.
Conclusions.
I have several books on the Knights Templar, mainly those in the Orthodox book list, which Martin provided. However there are a few on my bookshelves that I have not read yet due to their larger size (and that I am seeking to read at least three serious books at any one time!). The advantage of Martin's book was its size. Not only is it a handy size in terms of book dimension (186 x 124mm) for travelling around with, but at 275-280 words per page, with only 132 pages of the main text, to read the whole book was not a difficult task.
Essentially the book is what it says it is; a pocket essential, and it does that job extremely well. If you are in need of a starting guide from which to learn about the history of the Knights Templar, this book is a bargain and worth buying.
15 of 16 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I read the book and it was compelling. The author presents a mix of speculation and facts about the history of templars. The book is very easy to read. On the other hand, it is quite succint(an entire book could be written with the topics of some chapters!).
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Just enjoyed listening to the audiobook version for the Knights Templar. A really good book, worth reading or listening to. A good starting point for learning / researching the Knights Templar.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
The knights Templar
It unravels some of the mysteries of these people, though it gets a bit wearsome with a plethora of names. Nonetheless it is a very absorbing and informative read.
Published 4 months ago by Taki
knights templar
delivery prompt as usual , the book was very helpful if your a beginner into the history of the nights Templar's easy to read, not to long so it doesn't bog you down and get boring... Read more
Published 20 months ago by kevin
Riviting Reading
I bought this book for my brother in law for his birthday. He says he is thoroughly enjoying it and would recommend it. Read more
Published on 17 Feb 2010 by Mrs. G. Piper
Easy introduction to the History of the Templar Knights
This short volume is very easy to read and covers all the points of the Templar History.
It is only an introduction and if you want to find more about the Templars I... Read more
It is only an introduction and if you want to find more about the Templars I... Read more
Published on 15 Dec 2009 by Don Pelayo
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