The first of its kind, the Knights Templar Encyclopedia is a wealth of information on the most influential military-religious Order of the middle ages—the Knights Templar, or “warring monks.” These famed knights of the Crusades have for years generated a controversial and curiosity about who they were, why they were so influential, and how they went from respected knights to criminals. Within the hundreds of entries, Dr. Karen Ralls provides answers to these questions and many more.
Written in a scholarly tone, Knights Templar Encyclopedia is presented in an A-Z format and is beautifully illustrated from cover to cover with photographs and diagrams, and features historical information on people, places, beliefs, symbols, daily life, economics, and organization of the Templars. One of the most interesting parts of this book is the Appendixes—Chronology of Events, Grand Masters of the Knights Templar, Popes, Charges Against the Templars, and Selected List of Templar Sites. All are fascinating reading for anyone interested in these enigmatic knights of the Crusades and their Order. A must-have book for those who immerse themselves in the Middle Ages.
Dr. Karen Ralls is a medieval historian, religious studies scholar and international lecturer. She is the author of The Templars and the Grail (Quest, 2003).