Dungeon Fire and Sword: The Knights Templar in the Crusades

Rating:
Summary: rambling but interesting
Review: I was very interested in the topic when it first started out but midway through the book I felt bogged down with information. While reading the book I got the impression that the author included every shred of information he gleaned in research without regard to its pertinence. the book regained an interesting pace around the 30th chapter, however.

Rating:
Summary: Fascinating
Review: If you love history, this is one of those, "Couldn't put it down books." It is chock full of information. Although not in a true Novel form, Robinson does make the facts flow in a very good story fashion. I will be buying his other works.

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Summary: Not really a history of the Templars
Review: If you want a good read on the Templars, this is not it. It is more a history of the crusades that tries to highlight the role of the Templars in the broader story. I got just as much info on the Templars from Runciman's far better history of the crusades than I did from this book. I would strongly recommend his works instead (Runciman is a wonderfully readable historian, a bit like Tuchman or John Norwich, although better).

Rating:
Summary: Very, very fascinating
Review: Incredible tale of the Crusades. If you want a little more insight into modern day Middle East conficts, the Gulf War etc... this will help. Some of the most important battles in history are described in these pages. This book helped turn me into a history junkie!!

Rating:
Summary: Excellent and for once, it's not conjecture!
Review: John Robinson does an excellent job of clearly documenting the Templar world. When he uses conjecture, he notes it. When he has the facts, he presents them in a very easy to read and well-informed manner. History has never been such a pleasure to read!

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Summary: Captivating Reading for All Knight Templar Fans
Review: John Robinson, a scholar with indubitable academic reputation assumes the intricate task to reveal the story of The Knights Templar, throughout their 150 years of official history. No speculations are made regarding their inclination to occultism or adulation of dark forces, instead, Robinson follows a more logical path when arguing that the dissolution of the Templar Order was dictated merely by economic interests, greed, and envy. The vivid description of the wars fought in the Holly Land and the monstrosities of medieval torture techniques many of the Knights had to endure, poses serious questions about the human nature.

Rating:
Summary: Great Book from a Great Author about a chaotic world.
Review: Quite possibly the best book written on the Knights Templar. The book reads like a novel that moves lightning fast. The description of the seige of Acre in 1291 is one the highlights as are the trials that brought about their suppression in 1314. Definitely read Robinson's BORN IN BLOOD and PILGRIM'S PATH these are also great books. Enjoy!

Rating:
Summary: Simply brilliant.
Review: Reads like a novel. (I know, not a particularly original thing to say, but it's true). Would make a great multi-part graphic novel or television mini-series. It's too big for one film, unless one tried a six-part George Lucas thing. Buy it. Now.

Rating:
Summary: Well written and informative
Review: Robinson has done a lot of research on the subject and has written a wonderful introduction of Templay history for the layman.

Rating:
Summary: The Martyred Order
Review: Robinson's history of the Knights Templars is not only a brilliant history of that lost order; it is probably also the best popular history of the Crusades to date. While it is clear that he has borrowed the Runciman chronology, not everyone has the time to read three volumes, and besides, even if you've read Runciman (as I had), Robinson's eye for color (and for the gruesome) makes this journey worth retaking. Other features of the story which are without parallel are the brilliant exposition of the basic tenets of Islam; his wonderful chapters on the Assassins, and the final, ghastly post-Crusade ordeal of the Templars during their trials and ultimate suppression. A tour de force.