The Templars: The Rise and Spectacular Fall of God’s Holy Warriors
Full disclosure: I have loved everything Dan Jones has ever written. He is simply the master of medieval and early modern history. And this book is no exception. The Templars is a comprehensive and exquisitely researched work of medieval history. Sure, Jones covers everything you would expect: the First Crusade, the fall of Jerusalem, the rise of the Templar banking institution, and the devastatingly fast fall of the order. But, unlike other histories, Dan Jones covers so much more. He discusses the crucial role the Templars played in garrisoning the myriad castles in the Holy Land. He covers the unlikely and slow rise of the order, beginning with Hugh of Payns, the first Knight Templar. And he goes into excellent detail exploring HOW the Templars became the first international bank.
The Templars is, simply, superb.
Score: 5/5