The Knights Templar: A Captivating Guide to a Powerful Catholic Military Order and Their Impact on the Crusades (Exploring Christianity) Paperback – 16 May 2023

I have other books of this series “Captivating History (CH)” which are very good. This latest read is also very well done. Within less than one hundred, easy pages the novice to this topic can obtain and easy understanding of this iconic military monastic order.The KT of the original name of “ The Poor -Fellow Knights of Christ“, The Knights of Solomon’s Temple and then The Knights Templar remain a popular subject of conversation, research, and curiosity among many today. .Interest in these hybrid warrior monks are on going, even though their identity maybe ignorance in the popular culture. To illustrate: I recently took the book “The Templars” by Dan Jones (which I have also reviewed) on a flight to one of my Tomar, Portugal visits to the KT castle for the 900th anniversary of the order. I had many individuals stop me inquiring about the book and the topic. They seemed to be interested, confused, and mesmerized by the red, eight-pointed , iconic cross cover and the topic. The uttered name of the order, which on my questioning resulted in an unknowledgeable exchange of interesting responses.As a life long student of this topic I will use this book on any course I will provide in the future regarding the KT or the Crusades. It provides the student easy access to up-to-date material regarding both. Everyone likes stories of adventure and courage, and you will find both in this book. This book has a table of contents and is structured in twelve chapters. It has no photographs, or maps, or index, but the reference section is adequate to start your search into this subject.The teaser at the end of the ninety-five page text has enticed me to order the sister twelfth-century order book, “The Knights Hospitaller” which also possesses a unique history, and is still active today.

It was interesting learning about the Knights Templar and how good they were at their financials. Of course greed of the rulers destroyed this and the Knights Templar. Perhaps they should have taken lessons instead.

I have read many books over the years about the Knights Templars fiction and non fiction and this is by far the most complete and thorough edition of their lives and unfortunate deaths. I truly enjoyed the book although I still cling to the idea of them as heroes and as knights in shinning armor. Read this book it is very very good!

We see the Knights Templar in popular culture today so extensively that it would be odd not to at least find out the history of as much. This book offer exactly this: a detailed, engaging history that will keep even the most impatient reader interested until the last page.

Interesting and informative. I learned a lot from this easy to read guide.