The Last Templar: The Tragedy of Jacques de Molay, Last Grand Master of the Temple

By Alain Demurger

Book Overview

A Pioneering investigation into the last days of the mighty Knights Templar and their last Grand Master by one of France's greatest medieval scholars. The end of the mighty Order of the Temple is one the great stories of the Middle Ages. In 1307 Philip the Fair, the devious King of France, brought one of the most powerful and wealthy institutions in the world to trial - and to an ignominious end. Jacques de Molay, the Temple's last Grand Master, was at the heart of the events in which the chivalric ideal was ousted by treachery and greed. In this pioneering investigation one of France's great medieval scholars describes Jacques de Molay's dazzling career and provides a vivid retelling of the drama of his and his Order's last days. De Molay's life took him from Burgundy to a career in the Middle East. Elected head of the Temple he had to face the loss of the Latin Crusader States. He withdrew to Cyprus and dreamed of the reconquest of Jerusalem. Summoned to France by the Pope for discussions, he was caught up in the King of France's trap, and burned at the stake for refusing to repudiate his order.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1861975538
• ISBN13: 9781861975539
• Release Date: January 2005
• Publisher: Profile Books
• Length: 304 Pages
• Weight: 0.58 lbs.
• Dimensions: 7.8" x 1.0" x 5.3"

Customer Reviews

An excellent addition to medieval history shelves

Now in a new edition, published in the U.S. for the first time and with the addition of an epilogue, The Last Templar: The Tragedy of Jacques de Molay is an in-depth examination of the arrest, trial, and devastating punishment of the Order of the Knights of the Temple, also known as the Templars. In October of 2007, the Vatican chose to publish original documents on the trial of the Templars; the new epilogue pays especial attention to these documents, looking beyond the hype to scrutinize the significance and legacy of one of medieval history's most famous trials. An excellent addition to medieval history shelves, The Last Templar is particularly recommended for college library collections.

Foresically Tasty

I must disagree with the previous reviews. This book neither wanders nor loses its track. It is a forensic examination of the life of Jacques de Molay which, because of the lack of much documentary evidence, widens its examination to include the times and other personalities to get a sense of what is possible and normal for a man the period. Wherever possible, though, all conclusions and inferences are drawn from primary sources and original rather than second hand material. It is refreshing to see the French tradition, as opposed to the Anglo-German interpretation, of the Templars, their Order and final days. This is perhaps not a book for the average reader but for a medieval scholar it is invaluable reading.

A Needed Biography of the Last Grand Master

I have given this work 4 stars, tho' 3.5 stars is more like it. I do agree with the other review that it is slow going in some parts. I think perhaps this may be due to the fact that the work was translated from the French. But the work is significant in that a lot material that I had never read before about Jacques de Molay was brought to light. If you are interested in the Knights Templar and the final chapter of the old military order, then this is an important read. Prior to this book the descriptions of the last Grand Master were cursory at best. De Molay is revealed in this work to be a more capable administrator than previously thought. In all the previous books about the Templars I have read de Molay was often referred to as gung-ho warrior type with little talents beyond the military aspects of the Order. However, Demurger shows that this was not the case.