The Templars and the Grail: Knights of the Quest - Softcover

Ralls PhD, Karen

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0835608077 ISBN 13: 9780835608077

Publisher: Quest Books, 2003

Synopsis

Who were the medieval Knights Templar?  How did they become so powerful and influential?  Why were they suddenly arrested and tortured in 1307?  What happened after their suppression?  And how does their memory live on today?

The powerful Knights Templar, famed monastic warriors of the Crusades, have long been shrouded in mystery.  They were believed to conduct mystical rites, guard various relics, and perhaps possess the lost treasures of Jerusalem.  They were also bankers to kings, trusted diplomats, skilled farmers, business scions, and navigators.  Drawing on both academic and local sources, this book provides a solidly researched, up-to-date academic history of the Order of the Temple, the Knights Templar (Part One), while also examining various theories about the Templars and their enduring mythos today (Part Two).

A vital contribution to medieval Templar history, 12th-14th century medieval religious studies, Crusades studies, Grail and related literature, and an analysis of modern-day interest in the medieval Order of the Temple (1119-1312).  Appendices include a comprehensive Chronology of Events (1118-1571), a list of Grand Masters,  information on major Templar sites, and illustrations featuring Rosslyn Chapel (Scotland) and its museum exhibition.

About this title

About the Author

Karen Ralls, PhD,  medieval historian and world religions scholar, obtained her doctorate from the University of Edinburgh. She was Postdoctoral Lecturer and Fellow (University of Edinburgh) and also Deputy Curator of the Rosslyn Chapel museum art exhibition (1995-2001) prior to continuing with her specialist medieval research at Oxford (England).  A member of the Templar Heritage Trust UK,  the American Academy of Religion and originally from the USA, Dr Ralls lectures internationally,  speaks at conferences, leads workshops and tours, serves as museum and art consultant,  and has appeared on a number of  History Channel, Discovery, and National Geographic TV documentaries. Her award-winning Ancient Quest website is www ancientquest com .

From the Back Cover

"Fascinating! Karen Ralls steers a middle course between dry scholarship and extravagant speculation, with real insights into the Templar and the Grail traditions."
--David Lorimer, Director, Scientific and Medical Network

"...Karen Ralls gives us the basic known facts about Templar history, and also deals with the colorful speculations in a fair, open-minded, yet responsible way. If you're looking for the one indispensable book about the Knights Templar, this is it."
-- Robert Ellwood, Professor of Religion Emeritus, University of Southern California

"A practical history of the Templars...this book is a must for those interested in the Western Mysteries." -- Robert Brydon, FSA Scot., Templar historian


Who were the mysterious medieval Knights Templar, and how can we separate fact from fiction?

How does their mythos and its meaning live on today?

Dr Karen Ralls presents the unfolding drama of the Knights Templar through time, examining the many beliefs and theories about their presumed powers and knowledge. Drawing on both academic and popular sources, she provides a solidly-researched, up-to-date perspective and includes exclusive photos from Rosslyn Chapel and its museum exhibition. The result is a riveting read and a vital contribution to Templar history and their enduring spiritual legacy.

Edition details

• Publisher: Quest Books
• Publication date: 2003
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0835608077
• ISBN 13: 9780835608077
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 280