Templars and the Grail

Who were the medieval Knights Templar?  How did they become so powerful and influential?  Why were they suddenly arrested and tortured in 1307?  What happened after their suppression?  And how does their memory live on today?

The powerful Knights Templar, famed monastic warriors of the Crusades, have long been shrouded in mystery.  They were believed to conduct mystical rites, guard various relics, and perhaps possess the lost treasures of Jerusalem.  They were also bankers to kings, trusted diplomats, skilled farmers, business scions, and navigators.  Drawing on both academic and local sources, this book provides a solidly researched, up-to-date academic history of the Order of the Temple, the Knights Templar (Part One), while also examining various theories about the Templars and their enduring mythos today.

A vital contribution to medieval Templar history, 12th-14th century medieval religious studies, Crusades studies, Grail and related literature, and an analysis of modern-day interest in the medieval Order of the Temple (1119-1312).  Appendices include a comprehensive Chronology of Events (1118-1571), a list of Grand Masters,  information on major Templar sites, and illustrations featuring Rosslyn Chapel (Scotland) and its museum exhibition.

Product Details:

ISBN# 9780835608077
Paperback, 280 pages.
Publisher: Quest Books, Published: May 2003.
Size: 6.3 x 0.68 x 9.2 inches, Weight: 1.0 Lbs.

Author

Karen Ralls

Dr Karen Ralls, FSA Scot., medieval historian and Celtic scholar, obtained her PhD from the University of Edinburgh, followed by six years as Postdoctoral Fellow and Sr Lecturer (Univ. of Edinburgh) and was Deputy Curator of the Rosslyn Chapel Museum Art exhibition (Scotland) before relocating to Oxford, UK.

"History, symbolism, and historic places continue to fascinate us all over the world today. Many say visiting historical and ancient places has often greatly inspired them, or, at times, even completely changed their life in some way. Anyone can enjoy and appreciate the beauty of an ancient, historical, or sacred site and its surrounding landscape, and celebrate an era gone by. New perspectives of the past can also help us create a better world today. As we mutually step back in time to explore the history and unexpected wonders of the ancient and medieval eras, we cross the threshold...and enjoy the journey" -Karen Ralls

Editorial Reviews:

A practical history of the Templars...this booj is a must for those interested in the Western Mysteries. - Robert Brydon. F.S.A. Scot., Templar historian.

Now, in one readable book, the kind you can't lay down, Karen Ralls gives us the basic known facts about Templar history, and also deals with the colorful speculations in a fair, open0miinded, yet responsible way.  If you're looking for the one indispensible book about the Knights Templars, this is it. -Robert Ellwood, Professor of Religion Emeritus, University of Southern California.