As I think I mentioned elsewhere, part of the fun of writing historical and psaeudo-historical fiction is, you get to read a lot of great books and file the experience under “research“.

And indeed, I’ve collected a huge library of books through the years, because of research.
Visitors to my house normally get the “I can’t see what this book may have to do with your work!” vibe quite fast.

Currently I’m trying to get some background and texture for a new project, and this means I can fully enjoy Graeme Davis‘ excellent Knights Templar, A Secret History, and pretend it’s hard work and not just great fun.
Because it is.

Considering I’m planning a single, one-shot, 5000-words story aimed at a very precise market, I don’t need a trip to the library (which would be 80 Kms away, anyway – in the snow) – I need all the facts and all the innuendos, in a single fast and  reliable package, and Davis’ book is exactly what the doctor ordered.
A quick fix of history – of the shadier, weirder, but absoiltely factual side of history.

This thin book, published by legendary history/military publisher Osprey, is jam-packed with great information, fun tid-bits and assorted wonders.
The Holy Grail? Check.
De Molay’s Curse? Check.
Templars in America? Check.
Alchemy? Check.
Think of this as a crash-course in Templar mysteries and related conspiracies.
It’s concise, clear, authoritative, just-the-facts in its approach and… did I mention fun already?
Also, it’s wonderfully illustrated – as per traditional Osprey Publishing standards.

Will I get my new story off the ground?
Hopefully.
Surely, this book might help – th erest, as usual, is up to me and my writing skills.
But right now, researching the Templars to add flavor to my project is a reward in itself.

Note: the book is part of a series  – another similar all-in-one package being dedicated to Nazi Occultism.
It’s equally excellent.
I’m eagerly waiting for future titles in this line.

Related articles

• Forget The Da Vinci Code: this is the real mystery of the Knights Templar
• Knight’s Templar Lineage and Connection to Freemasonry
• Pope recognizes Knights Templar – History.com This Day in History – 1/13/1128