The Rule of the Templars: The French Text of the Rule of the Order of Knights Templar (Studies in the History of Medieval Religion) - J. M. Upton-Ward (Kindle, AZW3) {BFTM}

This book presents for the first time an English translation of Henri de Curzon's 1886 edition of the French "Rule" derived from the three extant medieval manuscripts; both monastic rule and military manual, the "Rule" is a unique document and an important historical source. The "Rule" is divided into seven main sections: the Primitive Rule, Hierarchical Statutes, Penances, Conventual Life, the Holding of Ordinary Chapters, Further Details on Penances, and Reception into the Order. There are details of the clothing, armour and equipment to which each brother was entitled; instructions to the brothers as to their conduct while on campaign; and information on the daily life of the members of this most influential military order, and on the monastic discipline which made it a formidable fighting force. The "Rule" evolved over almost 150 years of the Order's history, and thus shows how the Templars adapted to political change and formulated their disciplinary code. An Introduction gives the historical background to the "Rule" and summarizes the various sections. Finally, an appendix by Matthew Bennett discusses the military the military implications of the "Rule", with particular regard to strategy.

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