In the thirteenth century, a group of heretics in south-west France, the Cathars, became a serious threat to the Catholic church. Their fervently held dualistic beliefs were an anathema to the established religious order. In several waves of brutal repression, thousands of Cathars were killed, with many being burnt at the stake. Yet so ardent was their faith that, early in the fourteenth century, in a groundswell centred around the small Occitan village of Montaillou, the Cathars rose one final time.
Using the detailed documentation from this period, and drawing on his intimate knowledge of the last Cathars' tracks and hiding-places, many of which survive to this day, Rene Weis tells the full story of this gripping historical episode. He narrates a medieval tale of faith, adventure, sex and courage which is true in every detail.
