René Weiss

A really interesting and informative read about the last of the Cathars. The people who feature in this story are very diverse and most are not that devout, either as Cathars or Catholics - lots of people using religion to control people and further their own interests.

Interesting tale of religion, trust, betrayal and sex in middle ages France. The Cathars had a curious set of beliefs, but I can't imagine believeing in anything so strongly as to burn for it. A world away from modern existance, even in the geographic locations are still identifiable today.

Pretty decent introduction to the Cathars, a fascinating heretical Christian sect which flourished in what is now southern France and Catalonia during the Middle Ages. Weis focuses on the movement in its death throws, as it faded away thanks to protracted persecution on the part of the Catholic church. It's a coherent account of the events which Ladurie would examine in microcosm in his Montaillou; a good place to begin if you don't want to start that more famous work blind.

Very thorough history of the last Cathars, a lot of personal stories from contemporary accounts brings the account to life.