An entertaining historical guide to the legendary and mysterious order of medieval warrior knights who have been associated with everything from freemasonry to the Holy Grail, and the Shroud of Turin. This authoritative guide includes the medieval legends of the templars in romantic and epic literature, their doomed Crusades and dominance in Christendom, their fall from grace and disbandment by the Pope, while also reporting on this surviving sect’s secretive and unusual activities today.
William Marshal, born about 1147, became a knight loyal to five kings, the most powerful man in the kingdom, the hero of Magna Carta and a saviour of England. This book commemorates the life of the greatest knight that ever lived.
Useful as a companion to 'The Da Vinci Code', this short guide is written by an authority on the Knights Templar and Mary Magdalene. It aims to unweave what is true, what is plausible and what is fanciful in Dan Brown's story, and covers all the main elements of the book - the Priory of Sion, Opus Dei, the Knight Templar and more.
The gospels of Mark, Matthew, Luke, and John are pivotal texts in Western history, offering distinct accounts of Jesus that together form "The Four Greatest Stories Ever Told." Each gospel presents different perspectives on the same events, akin to the varied recollections in Akira Kurosawa's film Rashomon. Oxford New Testament scholar Robin Griffith-Jones explores how these four gospels authentically yet uniquely testify to Jesus' life, death, and teachings. He addresses the question Jesus posed: "Who do you say I am?"—a question that resonates with readers today. Griffith-Jones revives the original intent of each gospel, discussing their individual contexts, styles, and purposes. Rather than engaging in contemporary debates about the historical Jesus, he offers a fresh interpretation of the texts, focusing on the personal questions each Gospel writer sought to answer. Each gospel provides its own insight into the enigmatic figure of Jesus, reflecting the writer's context and personality. By examining these distinct perspectives, readers can find which resonates most with their own experiences and beliefs, ultimately encountering a fuller, more compelling portrayal of Jesus and his message through the collective lens of all four gospels.
Mary Magdalen's complex portrayal in the Gospels reveals her as a pivotal figure in Christianity, often misunderstood and marginalized by male-dominated church narratives. As the first to witness the resurrected Christ, she embodies the role of the first evangelist, challenging traditional views that reduce her to a mere reformed sinner. The book explores the historical belief in her marriage to Jesus, tracing its roots through 2000 years of art, history, and tradition, uncovering surprising insights and revelations along the way.
Focusing on the life of Jesus Christ, this book explores his journey from prophetic beginnings and childhood in Nazareth to his impactful ministry and the formation of his Apostles. It delves into pivotal events such as Judas' betrayal, Jesus' trial before Pilate, and the crucifixion at Golgotha. Rich in imagery and historical context, it serves as an insightful guide for readers seeking a deeper understanding of Jesus' story and its significance.
If you find it easy to put off difficult tasks, decisions and conversations... and wish you could replace low-level panic about them with a joyful, can-do confindence... then three things are true of you: 1. You're not the only one - we're all naturally escapists. 2. A bigger, better picture of jesus will transform you and how you approach your life (especially the hard parts). 3. This book will help you. Book jacket.
Isambard Kingdom Brunel, was the greatest Victorian engineer, some might say one of the world's greatest of all time. In this book, renowned railway specialist, Robin Jones retells the story of Brunel, engineer extraordinaire.