Jacques de Molay" Templar ceremonial sword

Exactly seven centuries ago, Jacques de Molay, the last Grand Master of the Order of the Temple, perished at the stake. The life of Jacques de Molay, Templar, monk and soldier, was one of discretion and modesty reserved for the white coats of the Crusades. But it also offered him the highest distinction when he was elected Grand Master. His qualities of honesty, brotherhood, intelligence and diplomacy earned him the respect of heads of state and Templars alike. He also reaped the jealousy and hatred of those whose ambitions clashed with his uprightness. The author presents Jacques de Molay confronted with intrigues, lies and crimes, against the coldness of Philip the Fair, the devious cunning of his advisor Guillaume de Nogaret, and the pitiful personality of Pope Clement V. All three used the sinister services of the Inquisitors. As heir to the secrets and treasures of various kinds held by the Order of the Temple for nearly two centuries, Jacques de Molay also inherited the accusations levelled at this organization. These were used in a shameful trial, where confessions were extracted through cruel torture. He shared the horrible fate of many of his companions, while outside France, Templars dispersed to pursue the mysterious aims of an order that some have warned may be resurgent.
Release date: March 1ˢᵗ, 2014

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