THE TEMPLARS. by Read, Piers Paul - 2001

London: Phoenix, 2001. 350 pp, 7 3/4" H. B&w and colour plates, b&w maps. "A source of enduring contemporary curiosity, the Knight of the Temple of Solomon were an order of warrior monks first founded to protect pilgrims to the Holy Land from infidel attack. Piers Paul Read reveal the Templars - in their white tunics with red crosses over chainmail - as the first uniformed standing army in the western world, as well as pioneers of international banking. He examines their fall at the hands of a greedy French king, who extracted confessions of heresy and immorality by torture. And the extraordinary Middle Ages, with their blend of high religious fervour and unusual cruelty, are brought startlingly to the page." Interior - clean and tight with no previous ownership marks. Exterior - very minor rubbing.. 17th Printing. Soft Cover. Near Fine.