Over the centuries, the Knights Templar have played a role in a wide range of literature and film, from Walter Scott's Ivanhoe to Ridley Scott's Kingdom of Heaven. Thanks to some very popular recent fiction (you know who I mean), there is more interest in the Templars than ever before, so authors have attempted to capitalize on it with "histories" of the order. Not all of them are scholarly or helpful. For the newcomer to the subject, it can be difficult to avoid the florid nonsense and find the right book to get started in learning the basics about the knights.
Let me make it easy for you: The Real History Behind the Templars is that book.
In a series of concise, highly informative chapters, Sharan Newman sets forth the story of the Templars and everything associated with them in a logical, chronological progression. From their mysterious origins and the personalities involved, to the Crusades in which they engaged, to their downfall, their impact, the legends that sprang up and the later societies that claim a connection, everything is explained in a relaxed, conversational style. The result is a book that you'll not only understand, but enjoy, no matter how familiar (or unfamiliar) you may be with Templar history.
There is a lot to learn about the Templars -- their order lasted for 200 years, and their impact is still felt today -- but the format of the book is designed to help you organize it all in your head. Most of the chapters are short and easily digestible. Longer chapters are neatly divided into subsections. Most of the important individuals get a biographical sketch. The author's facts are well-referenced with endnotes at each chapter (which, she points out in her introduction, you can completely ignore, unless you want to verify her sources of information.)
Also, whenever a topic is mentioned in the text that has a section devoted to it, that topic appears in bold type. When a reader encounters a bolded term, he knows there's more to the subject, and that he can seek out more information if he wishes. This is reminiscent of an Internet hyperlink; but take it from me, if you tap the term with your finger, the book won't magically turn the pages to the associated section. But it's a helpful feature.
In addition to all this, the book includes a map, a timeline, a table of the rulers of the kingdom of Jerusalem, an index, photos and illustrations, recommended reading, and a segment on "How to Tell if You Are Reading Pseudohistory." This last is an essay I think everyone interested in history at virtually any level should read, not only because it makes great sense and is helpful in understanding how to approach history, but because it's also pretty damn funny.
If I had to choose a drawback, it would be that some newcomers may not be familiar enough with the Crusades, the Middle East, or medieval history in general to recognize some of the places, terms, and events referred to. Much of it is explained eventually, but some readers may find it helpful to write down anything they don't understand and, if it isn't cleared up a little later in the text, look it up. You can do this by searching for the term right here at the Medieval History site. This may seem like work, but the payoff's worth it.
Sharan Newman is one of those rare combinations of authoritative historian and talented writer, holding degrees in medieval studies and having written historical novels. She brings this talent to bear on The Real History Behind the Templars with great success. She tells a good story; the story happens to be true. She also has a way of drawing the reader in by sharing her personal impressions and insights. By the time you finish the book, you'll feel as if you know Sharan as well as the Templars, and you'll have had a good time getting to know them both.
