The Real History Behind the Templars

November 15, 2007
Newman continues the line of reasoning she first shared in "The Real History Behind The Da Vinci Code"(2005). Unlike such popular works as Dan Brown's novel and Lynn Picknett and Clive Prince's "The Templar Revelation: Secret Guardians of the True Identity of Christ" this is a meticulously referenced account of the documentary history of the Knights of the Temple of Solomon (i.e., the Knights Templar) from their inauguration circa 112025 C.E. until their dissolution in 1312 C.E. Newman investigates not just the records of the Templars themselves but also the larger events in which the Templars were enmeshed, and she ends by chronicling the lines of embellishment explored by later storytellers. Historical vignettes include treatment of such notable figures as Kurdish warrior Saladin, Richard the Lionheart, and Philip II. This indispensable companion to current popular works in this area is recommended for public and academic libraries.Dann Wigner, Wayland Baptist Univ. Lib., Plainview, TX

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