Book Thoughts: The Knights Templar

The Knights Templar: The History and Myths of the Legendary Order by Sean Martin

My review

rating: 2 of 5 stars
I received this book a few months ago from some friends who, while interested in the topic of the Templars, and sorting through some of the myth from the reality in history, described the book as a bit overly detailed, muddying the information and making it difficult to get through.



I have to agree with their assessment after finishing it last night. The book is short, about 150 pages, a little bit more if you include the Appendices, but it is packed with information. The author does provide many details about the actual history of the Templars, their quick rise and likewise quick fall, before spending about 20 pages or so on the variety of myths surrounding the Templars. However, he fails to address all the myths surround the Templars, and fails to really analyze the myths in the historical context to determine which myths should carry more weight.



I think the most frustrating part of the book for many people, particularly for the casual reader who was drawn to the Templar mysteries based on recent attention, is that you really need some history background to understand the book. In particular, knowledge of the political situation in Europe during the 12th through 14th centuries, the role of the Papacy, and the crusades is important. The amount of random historical figures that makes appearances, along with various locales in the medieval Middle East that are referenced, I think make this a difficult read and frustrating read for a person with just a passing interest in Templar history.



Thus, the book is just alright, and probably not worth a read by someone unless they have a particular interest in the history of the Templars.


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