The Templars

Unfortunately I didn't finish this book. This was unusual as I'm normally a fan of Dan Jones. But The Templars was a real slog. The problem was that the book is a list of dates when events happened, and who got involved. It attempts to juggle too many people and places to make for a compelling narrative. This muddled, superficial approach prevents the text from flowing. Parts seem to be underwritten and too brief. Other parts seem too long and rambling. While information on the general period in history is included to provide context they aren't all that compelling. So what we end up with is a history of the crusades, with the Templars popping in and out from time to time. The book needs more focus on The Templers themselves. It was let down by a lack of in-depth analysis of the economic, theological and political factors that underpinned the rise and fall of the order. The takeaway was that The Templars became corrupt, amassed wealth and became part of the establishment. There is a vacuum which has yet to be filled to defend the religion from not only outside threats but from corruption and evil eating it from within, which is in danger of destroying Christianity. Best avoided.