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geekwayne's review
3.0
The Knights Templar: A Secret History sets out to give a brief history of the Templars. Starting with history and moving into theory, the book mostly succeeds, but unlike other Osprey publications, the latter half seems to rely mainly on one scholar. This is not a total failing. I'm just used to more source material being drawn from in Osprey publications.
Drawing mainly on the work of Dr. Emile Fouchet, the origins and timeline of the Templars are traced from 1119 AD to the present. Also discussed is their rise and fall in popularity, mainly by defying the Catholic church. The Holy Grail is discussed as well as the theories about where it might be. As the Templars were driven into hiding in Europe, the book moves into the shadowy history, with the Templars coming to America to help the colonies. Then back to Europe where their machinations seem to be behind the scenes until the present day.
There are some great conspiracy theories in here and there would seem to be a grand war happening between the Templars and the Masons. The unification of parts of Europe seems to fit in with the Templar goals. It's all a bit spooky and I did end up enjoying the book. There is a timeline of Templar history and a bibliography. Intriguing and concise.
I was given a review copy of this book by Osprey Publishing and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for letting me review this book.
Drawing mainly on the work of Dr. Emile Fouchet, the origins and timeline of the Templars are traced from 1119 AD to the present. Also discussed is their rise and fall in popularity, mainly by defying the Catholic church. The Holy Grail is discussed as well as the theories about where it might be. As the Templars were driven into hiding in Europe, the book moves into the shadowy history, with the Templars coming to America to help the colonies. Then back to Europe where their machinations seem to be behind the scenes until the present day.
There are some great conspiracy theories in here and there would seem to be a grand war happening between the Templars and the Masons. The unification of parts of Europe seems to fit in with the Templar goals. It's all a bit spooky and I did end up enjoying the book. There is a timeline of Templar history and a bibliography. Intriguing and concise.
I was given a review copy of this book by Osprey Publishing and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for letting me review this book.
brian's review
3.0
The second book in Osprey's Adventure series, told in the format of an academic being given the notes of a Templar researcher who died in mysterious circumstances.
Covering similar ground to "Holy Blood and the Holy Grail", and "Da Vinci Code", it looks at origins of the Knights Templar, and how they may have survived to the present day, with an unseen battle going on between them, the Catholic Church, Freemasons and Opus Dei.
Some interesting theories, taking the group up to the present day.
The author has worked on several RPG's, and this book comes across with several ideas that could be used in different settings, or as a sourcebook for scenario ideas.
Well illustrated in the usual Osprey manner.
Covering similar ground to "Holy Blood and the Holy Grail", and "Da Vinci Code", it looks at origins of the Knights Templar, and how they may have survived to the present day, with an unseen battle going on between them, the Catholic Church, Freemasons and Opus Dei.
Some interesting theories, taking the group up to the present day.
The author has worked on several RPG's, and this book comes across with several ideas that could be used in different settings, or as a sourcebook for scenario ideas.
Well illustrated in the usual Osprey manner.
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