The Templars: Knights of God

by Edward Burman

For nearly 200 years, until their suppression in 1312 on charges of heresy and magical practices, the Order of the Poor Knights of the Temple of Solomon--better known as the Templars--were the most formidable and feared fighting machine in Christendom. Besides their military prowess they also possessed immense wealth and political power, becoming bankers and credit brokers to medieval Europe and the allies of kings and popes.
Drawing on contemporary chronicles and original texts, as well as the immense secondary literature, Edward Burman paints a vivid picture of this extraordinary organization of warrior monks and its passage into myth and legend.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Medieval, Religion

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1986

About the author

Edward Burman nació en Cambridge en 1947.
Graduado en la Universidad de Cambridge, se licenció en Filosofía en la de Leeds.

Después de graduarse, impartió clases en diversas universidades italianas y más tarde trabajó como editor para el gobierno persa. Actualmente dirige una empresa financiera y reside en Pekín.

Entre sus obras destacan Los secretos de la Inquisición y El último templario, ambas grandes éxitos internacionales. Sus novelas se asientan en la historia y cultura europea, con buena documentación y ajuste a la realidad histórica.

Reviews

[GoldGato · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Knights Templar remain a fascinating part of medieval history, the most famous of the Crusaders. Their rise and horrible fall have been documented many times and this book approaches the subject with an academic ease.

They were the most ferocious of the Christian fighters, known more for their headlong courage than for any military genius. In fact, they lost more battles than they won. Nevertheless, the Templars began with an honest motivation to protect the European pilgrims who needed protection on their way to Jerusalem. As the Knights became more powerful, they built their own castles, defended their own fiefdoms, and established the beginnings of the modern banking system. It was the latter which would bring their downfall, as the heads of Europe coveted the perceived wealth of the Order of the Poor Knights of the Temple of Solomon.

While the Templars kept little gold and precious goods, they owned the island of Cyprus, vast plots of land, vineyards, castles, and farms. Importantly, they handled the monetary transactions of kings and popes and started the use of writing cheques to cover costs. But their reason for being, the Holy Land, was lost and they rapidly became unpopular with their main purpose gone. In came Philip IV of France, who arrested and executed (by burning) the Templar leaders. It was a rapid rise followed by a rapid fall, no more than 200 years. Yet, the Knights Templar remain in memory as mysterious warrior monks, a lofty organization that was probably the very first corporation.

I didn't want to read a huge volume about the Order, so this book perfectly fit the bill. Just long enough to explain the battles and the inner workings, although it did read as a thesis at times. Recommended for a basic overview of the Templars.

Book Season = Autumn (leaves a'burning)

[Marley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although the author, Edward Burman, says this is not an academic book, I think it is, but also very accessible.

I've been interested in the Templars forever, but for the last few years, due to one of my Somerset ancestors being a Templar who transferred to the Hospitaliers in 1312 after a somewhat brief imprisonment.

I was very happy that the "esoteric" elements of the Templars wwere not addressed except for the trials.The real history is so much more interesting. Also pleased that intra-christian disputes (and wars) were discussed. One of the really important factors, discussed here was the fiercely theocratic nature of the early organization--more than I had thought. The Templars were a very complex and nuanced organization and this book is a great guide to start with in any study concerning them.

OK, this isn't a very good review, but I highly recommend the book.

[Linda · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a decent book to use as a research tool, but it's a real snoozer. The author managed to make a very interesting subject seem incredibly dull.

[Ellis Knox · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yet another book on the Templars. It's respectable and readable.

[Adam Waz · Rating 1 out of 5]

0 stars wasn't an option...

I don't want to say anything offensive about the writer, but this book is just one academic writing about the works of other academics. What comes to mind is a "Circle Jerk."

I didn't even bother finishing the book because of how boring it is and the strange phrasing the author uses.

Not recommended to anyone.

[Judy]

An interesting review of the history of the Knights Templar, who were formed in 1118 with a goal of assisting pilgrims from the coast to Jerusalem. They had high ideals of chivalry, a form of perfection in their minds. The book describes various reasons for their downfall, all of which may have a basis, but the author concludes that they were simply "anachronistic."

[Ein Barney · Rating 2 out of 5]

While incredibly informative, this book reads more like a thesis statement than a novel, and as such, is equally dull as it is informative. Great if you're looking for a complete deep dive on the subject, but far from easy to consume.

[B.W. Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bought it many years ago when it was first published. Good quality historical study by an expert in the field.

[Michael Romo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Burman draws on contemporary chronicles, original texts and the immense secondary literature to portray the fascinating history of the Templars. This order of fighting monks became feared militarily and immensely wealthy. You could say that they operated more like a modern multinational corporation and this led to their suppression in 1312 on Friday the 13th. This day would live on in modern times of remind us of bad luck and it foretold the beginning of the end for the Templar order.

[Fredrick Danysh · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a history of the rise and fall of the Knights Templar. The work is speculative as few records are available from the Templars. The author attempts to document some sources through the use of numerous footnotes. I did not notice much new material that was not used in other histories of the Templars but still a good background brief.

[Reggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this a very good book about the history of the Templars. The author does a good job of separating History from Mythology, of which there is quite a lot in regards to the Templars. Although I found the writing enjoyable, I agree with other reviewers in that this is not a "light read".

[Marla · Rating 3 out of 5]

(used book store find) Interesting, learned something new.