The Temple and the Lodge

The Strange and Fascinating History of the Knights Templar and the Freemasons

By: Michael Baigent, Richard Leigh, Mitch Horowitz - foreword

Narrated by: Rick Adamson

In The Temple and the Lodge, Michael Baigent and Richard Leigh reveal the survival and evolution of a world-changing order through the birth of the Masonic lodge. Recounting the brutal events in the 14th century that led to the sudden disappearance of the Knights Templar - a powerful military and banking order founded in 1119 and active in the Crusades - the authors document the Templars' reappearance in the court of excommunicate Scottish king Robert the Bruce. Tracing the survival of certain Templar traditions in the birth of the Masonic lodge, they chart the history of Freemasonry from its medieval roots into the modern era and from Europe to colonial America and the young United States.

Baigent and Leigh marshal the evidence that the order's contribution to fostering tolerance, progressive values, and cohesion in English society helped preempt a French-style revolution in England. Freemasonry was an essential keystone in the formation of the United States, and the authors argue that America itself is an embodiment of the ideal "Masonic Republic". Their groundbreaking analysis challenged the accepted history of the influence of Freemasonry on America's framers and revolutionists, which most mainstream historians ignored until recently.

©1989, 2011 Michael Baigent and Richard Leigh; Foreword copyright 2020 by Skyhorse Publishing, Inc. (P)2021 Tantor

Historically Illuminating

Fills in the gaps and adds color to what I already knew. An illustrated version would be a real plus.

Historical development and relationship to Temple building

You need to read some other books to know what this book is talking about. This delves into the relationships and power struggles of evil and good throughout time. What you believe will reveal much about your allegiance to the reformation.

influence of freemasonry

I liked the time of covering all history, well done! From the beginning to current times

Great story, not-so-great narration

Very good book however it contradicts many "facts" presented in Baigent & Leigh's previous work "Holy Blood, Holy Grail" and is very speculative. Also it would be nice if the narrator learned how to pronounce many of the French and Scot names of cities and people, it is so far off as to be laughable, and please slow down!. I do overall highly recommend it!