One might not think there was any great connection between the Templars and Batman, but the author opens the book with a personal story of his introduction to the concept of chivalry.

The early Masonic writers, when they made mention of a connection between Freemasonry and the Templars, often did so in passing. Certainly none of the early Masonic writers were so bold as to claim that the demise of the Knights Templar gave birth to the Freemasons. On the contrary; many of the early Masonic writers were far bolder and of the opinion that Freemasonry existed at the time of the First Crusade and that the crusaders were in possession of Masonic mysteries. This chapter looks at the evolution of this theory from the earliest references from Masonic writers.

Examines the origins of the Knights Templar, devoid of the speculative theories regarding their early years.

There are many myths regarding the Templars' rise to wealth and power; many of the theories involve the discovery of hidden treasures and secrets, not unlike the tales told in the traditional histories of Masonic organisations. This chapter deals with the actual story of how the Templars achieved their fame and fortune.

It's a romantic story - the untimely demise of the Templars. However, like many aspects of the story of Christendom's most famous band of warriors, the story of their demise is often painted with mythical notions. The purpose of this chapter is to dispel some of the myths associated with the downfall of the Templars, while informing the reader of some of the lesser known details of the story.

Many modern authors have made claims regarding the secret initiation rituals of the original Knights Templar, but what they fail to point out is that the ceremony is far from secret. Historians have had access to this so-called secret rite for many years. In this chapter, Dafoe takes the reader on a step by step recreation of the original Templar ceremony, to point out the differences, as well as the similarities - where they exist.

The Chevalier Andrew Michael Ramsay is best known for a speech he is said to have given in 1737 or 1738. While this speech is often referenced as the launching point of the so-called high degrees; little has been written about the man or his motivations in writing the address. This chapter looks to fill in some of the blanks.

There is little doubt that Masonic Templarism sprang to life around the time Ramsay gave his address to a Paris Lodge. But between that time and the evolution of Masonic Templarism (as it exists today) there were others who built upon Ramsay's words. This chapter tells some of those stories.

Examines the history and evolution of Templarism in the United Kingdom, particularly in England from its emergence at the end of the eighteenth century until the early years of the twentieth century.

Templarism in the United States is a different animal than Templarism anywhere else on the planet. This chapter examines the evolution of Masonic Templarism in the United States from the time of Paul Revere and William Davis, who were among the first initiates in the colonies. Dafoe examines the history of American Templary through to the end of the Civil War, when Templarism took on a different form and direction.

While the United Kingdom and the United States have important roles in the story of Masonic Templarism, Canada is often left on the sidelines. This is unfortunate, as the story of Masonic Templarism in Canada is an interesting and important story. Tied to its English roots by its commonwealth bonds and tied to American innovation by its proximity to the United States, Templarism in Canada evolved into a best of both worlds amalgam of the two styles.

In the final chapter of the book, Dafoe summarises the research and evidence accumulated in the preceding chapters, concluding that there is no sound evidence to support a connection between the Templars of old and the modern Masonic Orders that borrow their name. In addition, Dafoe offers some of his own opinions on the future of Masonic Templarism.

Dafoe provides several appendices of writings about the Templars that have long been out of print. These additional resources will provide the reader with further insight into the evolution of Masonic Templarism over the years.