The transcript of one of the most extraordinary criminal trials in world history has just become available - 
seven hundred years after the proceedings began.
Beginning in 1307, the Knights Templar - who could be called the Blackwater of the Christian Crusades, which, if it isn't accurate, at least gives you the general idea - went on trial for heresy in a legal proceeding known as Processus Contra Templarios.
The Vatican has announced that the Latin transcript of the proceedings, which resulted in the loss of their wealth and the suppression of the order, will be made available in a limited edition. Price tag: $8,400.
According to media reports - the Vatican has not mentioned this document on its official site - the transcript reveals the Pope's opposition to the proceeding.
It would have been available earlier, we are advised, but it was "misplaced" - for three hundred years. Needless to say, the medievalists are rejoicing, and many are already begging for an English translation.
As trial transcripts go, that's not expensive at all. Trial transcripts generated today in the US routinely run $2 or 3 a page (and they're double-spaced, have super-wide margins, large type, numbered lines, and every other gimmick court reporters can think of to lengthen a transcript.)
Of course as books go, well....
For more:
If I had the $8400 to spend I would definitely get this. I've always been fascinated with the old orders. Especially one that generates so many conspiracy theories.
Posted by: Trench Reynolds | October 26, 2007 at 12:20 PM
I was thinking the same, Trench. It's a bit rich for my bank account, though...
Posted by: Fiz | October 27, 2007 at 09:29 AM
The Knights Templar have always intrigued me. I wonder if I could trade a kid for the book?
And Laura!! A book?? How absolutely wonderful!! Congratulations to you.
Posted by: Soobs | October 27, 2007 at 03:23 PM
given the way the church control religious information, it wouldnt suprise me if this is the edited version
Posted by: mrserialkiller | October 27, 2007 at 03:31 PM
No kidding Soobs. Isn't it strange that this is coming out shortly after the Da Vinci Code, new evidence of sketching under The Last Supper, etc. And this "misplaced" version just happens to appear? Kindof makes you wonder what else the Vatican has "misplaced."
Why are they charging $8,000 for a copy? Why don't they just put it on display for all to see?
Posted by: caddywompass | October 29, 2007 at 12:15 PM
Caddywompass - great name! The Vatican has Henry VIII's love letters to Anne Boleyn - I'd love to know which particular foreign envoy got hold of them and how he did so!
Posted by: Fiz | October 30, 2007 at 11:01 AM