The Perfect Heresy: The Revolutionary Life and Spectacular Death of the Medieval Cathars by Stephen O'Shea (2000, Hardcover)

From the author of another fine and original book, Back to the Front, The Perfect Heresy provides an insightful up-to-date review of that most difficult subject, the Albigensian Crusade and the story of the Cathars, whose (lost) lives were at the heart of it. Yes, this is the story (more or less) which inspired some of the most insipid best-selling writing in recent years: Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code. Fortunately, the story is a good deal more interesting than Mr. Brown would have us believe, and Stephen O’Shea has gone to great pains to explain why.

Mr O’Shea manages to keep aloof from the Cathar/Catholic controversy, and presents the main lines of this old story in a competent prose, which can be top-heavy at times, as he is wont to enjoy playing around with language (some people will find this a plus; I know I did). Throughout the story, he manages to weave the various other stories that have issued forth from this one (leaving the treasure of Rennes-le-Château right alone, I might add!), thereby adding depth to the whole.

On the whole, a very satisfying read which should be of interest to all those who are tempted to peek into the medieval mists, and come to grips with one of the more successful (all the more successful, in my view, for having apparently failed so completely) attempts to right the wrongs of the Roman church. Talking about equality between men and women, let alone princes and underlings, demonstrated very far-sighted vision indeed, in the 13th century. Highly recommended.

Ever wonder where the phrase, "Kill them all and God will know his own" came from ? Or why the Inquisition was invented ? Or what created the “Dark Ages” ? This book is the “perfect” starter for someone who is interested in researching the extermination of the Cathars by the Catholic Church and the Kingdom of France. Perhaps a bit gory in places, but much more than just dates and names. It gives a concise overview of the longest and most successful genocide and land grab in history. A sad, but true tale of the war and suppression against peaceful Christians and truth.