Knights Templar: Their History and Myths Revealed Paperback – January 13, 2014

Alan Butler with Shelton Harbor Press should be very proud of this product. From the quality of the binding, cover, paper and the fitting and coordinating illustrations and photographs, to the easy text with current information regarding the Chinon Parchment this book is a keeper. I very much appreciate the effort that went into this product which is much more in worth than price paid.I have to confess I am a fan of Alan Butler and find him very knowledgeable on this topic. He has created a very concise, clear, text of accurate historical account of this monastic military order of the 12th and 13th century. However, the text is not perfect and one typo or print defect is repeatedly revealing on several occasions (St., instead of st in words starting with those letters) is irritating to the reader. In addition to this defect and the accurate text the related and needed marginal figures with captions have several mistakes. These range from mislabeling of Mt. Moriah as Mt. Zion- Henry II of England 1135-1154- to the incorrect date of the Battle of Ascalon of 1099 to name a few. These defects take away from this outstanding creation.The physical structure of the text is to my liking with a table of content, body, glossary, bibliography, and index which are very helpful. The book brings together past and recent information regarding this topic with more focus on Bernard of Clairvaux, Templar/Cathar relationships, and the newly released Vatican Chinon Parchment of 2007 on the 700 anniversary of the Knights Templar destruction. The epilogue provides a fitting story of the Vatican's admission in which Pope Clement V absolved the Knights of accused heresy. For one who has been to many of the sites, places, and buildings mentioned in this book, I find it highly readable and understandable. Additionally, appreciate the author not delving on the philosophical and ideological aspects of the subject which many get bogged down within many books.This book is an educational devise much unlike, the although excellent, Pernoud, Haag, and Picknett/Clive creations. This book teaches instead of impressing. I recommend this as a first read into this arena of medieval monastic military order history.

This is a great resource for anyone wanting to learn more about the templars and what became of them.

A nice concise history of the known facts and actual history. Areas that approach the speculative myths are clearly designated. Highly illustrated, some with little to no relevance to the Templars. Nice book that could have had a little more 'meat.'

Enjoyable read, but this book has so many spelling errors. The proof readers did a terrible job.

It's a beautiful book. I didn't realize the quality when I ordered. Also, the information is good but not overwhelming. Just perfect for a coffee table book.

I like this book because I want to no more about the Templars.

Even after swearing I'd never put on a uniform again Mr. Butler has thrilled me. The King of France and the lovely Pope be damned.

Beautifully illustrated book, well written,,easy to read,[ I read it one day.] i will read it again often just to enjoy the beautiful pictures.

Really pleased with my new book arrived in good time and in excellent condition, I am enjoying reading a proper book rather than e-books