The Templars: Selected Sources

The Templars were members of a medieval monastic order, later accused of denying Christ and other heresies. The Order was subject to a torturous inquisition period during the 14th century and ultimately dissolved. This is a unique collection of translated sources, which in addition to documenting the origins of the Order and the circumstances of its suppression and dissolution, examines the many and varied facets of its activities during the 12th and 13th centuries. It will be of interest to anyone interested in the medieval period, and is an invaluable source for those wanting to find out more about this most fascinating and enigmatic of institutions.

This impressive volume, which contains translations into English of 79 medieval documents, provides primary sources for the entire period of the Crusading order of the Templars, from their establishment in Jerusalem in 1119 until their dissolution in 1312. Barber (a well- known historian of the Crusades) and Bate (deceased, classics, both at the U. of Reading, UK) provide a summary of the Templars' history and short annotations to each document. Distributed by Palgrave. Annotation c. Book News, Inc.,Portland, OR

"The book comprises a very substantial collection of translated material illustrative of its history. The introduction is lucid and beautifully written, and the collection will be an asset for third-year courses at universities." --Professor Jonathan Riley-Smith, Cambridge University

Malcolm Barber is Professor of Medieval History at the University of Reading.

Keith Bate was Senior Lecturer in Classics at the University of Reading.