Christopher Columbus, The Last Templar by Ruggero Marino © 2007
Destiny
Books ISBN 978-1-59477-190-3 368 pages Paperback $19.95 (U.S.)
In spite of the title of this book, which is a translation of a book
written
in Italian, there is very little data regarding Templar beliefs or
connections between Columbus and the Templars. There are occasional,
passing references to Templars in the first half of the book, but the word
itself does not even appear in the index. This is predominantly, a study
of
the revelation (not the discovery) of the American continents. It is
thick
with references to the papacy, European explorers of unknown lands,
religious conflicts, and the covering up of inconvenient facts.
Along the way the author makes contact with some figures well known to the
average layperson and, other, more obscure personages who were, or may
have
been, instrumental in orchestrating what became known as the discovery of
the New World.
Although the publisher categories this book as "History/Secret Societies"
it
would (in my opinion) be more properly classified as simply history.
There
is some speculation of underlying motives, but nothing substation relating
to the Templars or any other organized secret society. So, if you are
looking for conspiracy theories and secret plots, I'm afraid this book is
going to be a bit of a disappointment. Likewise, if you are hoping for
documentation of Columbus' involvement with the outlawed Templars, this
book
is not going to give you much pleasure.
On the other hand, this is a well-written look at how history is written,
edited, and transmitted through the centuries. It accomplishes this
without
being over-bearing or condescending. It is presented in a readable,
enjoyable style and still provides enough documentation, albeit
predominantly in Italian, to make it possible for those who are seriously
interested to pursue investigations on their own.
This is NOT a "must have" book, but it is definitely one which is capable
of
opening one's eyes and stimulating an interest in the past.
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