This book recounts and analyzes the Templars' rise and establishment during the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, reflects on the proceedings launched against it and its subsequent fall (1307–1314), and explores its medieval and post-medieval legacy.

This book offers a diplomatic edition and parallel English translation of the recently rediscovered ‘author’s copy’ (Vienna, Deutschordenszentralarchiv, Hs. 392), written in direct cooperation with the original author.