The Secret History of the Knights Templar

by Susie Hodge

This expertly presented book is an authoritative, informed account of the rise and fall of the Knights Templar, from their rapid progression from humble men of the cross to powerful warrior-monks, and to their arrest, persecution and dissolution in a tempestuous period of history covering two centuries. Clad in a white mantle with the splayed red cross the knights took part in the Crusades with martial zeal and strength - but their influence at the height of their powers extended well beyond war, into diplomacy, politics and the banking and technology of the age. The book looks at the speculations, myths and mysteries of these legendary knights in a period that lasted only 200 years, but still holds fascination some 700 years later. It looks at controversial claims and conspiracies surrounding the Knights Templar and makes informed opinions about likely truths behind them - such as whether they discovered America and whether they had guardianship or special knowledge of the Holy Grail. It also makes links with the Turin Shroud, the Ark of Covenant, the Skull of Sidon, Freemasonry and other mysteries that have passed down the centuries. It shows the historical legacy of the Templars today and how they have influenced modern ways of life and modern organizations. Beautifully illustrated with more than 200 photographs and fine art images.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Reference

96 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Josiah · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 · Rating 3 out of 5]

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 · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Ryan Ricks · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.