The Secret History of the Knights Templar

by Susie Hodge

An in-depth illustrated chronicle of the rise and fall of one of history's most secretive brotherhoods, from its origins in the middle ages to its mysterious status today. With well researched text and evocative illustrations, this volume shows the historical legacy of the Templars and how they have influenced contemporary organizations, art, literature and legend.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Reference

96 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Josiah]

Writing: B
Plot: A-
Vocabulary: B
Illustrations: A+
Level: Easy
Rating: PG (young-adult appropriate references to war, battles, death, poisoning, murder, hypocrisy, theft, social injustice, etc)
Worldview: neutral description of observable culture and events

[Ian]

It would be hard to make an uninteresting book on the Knights Templar. This is proper history but presented in a picture-ridden, bullet-point format where every double page spread has to stand on its own as if it were a poster on a classroom wall. This fragmentary nature can be slightly irritating to anyone with a greater attention span than a peanut, but the actual text is sincere and non-sensationalising, and a good introduction to a fascinating subject.

[Paul Quick]

Susie Hodge usually writes about artists but did a good job on this subject. I liked her chapter divisions. Some of myths about The Templars were news to me which is impressive to a professed history buff.

Their infuence on banking was fascinating and caused me to look up some assertions - all was found correct.

The ties of The Knights to Royalty and Religion were very revealing.

[Mark Bunch]

A short, easy read of the famous group. Since i have been to the Dome of the Rock and the other sites-I am intrigued by the subject matter.

[B]

An interesting, easy read with lots of maps, photos, etc.

[Ryan Ricks]

Other books may go into more depth, but this is a nice read and has good pictures.

[Jason]

This book was alright. It gave a very light overview of the history and mystery of the Knights Templar - enough that made me want to read more about them. However, a lot of the book is a hodge-podge history lesson with anecdotes and dates taken from here and there, and not really a thorough 'story' - or maybe not as much as I wanted to see. I know this isn't exactly a history book, though, and for what it is, its good. There are a nice compliment of pictures as well.

[Kelly]

What can I say I am a History buff. I love reading about the Templars and every writer has something new and improved to say about them. Out in front for all to see but draped in a mystery no one can understand but the Templars. Book was great for another History book. Brightest Blessings.