Secret Societies: Inside the World's Most Notorious Organizations - Softcover

Reynolds, John Lawrence

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1559708468 ISBN 13: 9781559708463

Publisher: Arcade Publishing, 2007

Synopsis

Furnishes a behind-the-scenes glimpse of some of the world's most notorious secret societies, chronicling the origins and history, initiations and rituals, beliefs and activities, secret signs, members, and influence of the Freemasons, the Kabbalah, the Mafia, the Yakuza, the Priory of Sion, Skull & Bones, and others. Reprint.

About this title

About the Author:

John Lawrence Reynolds has written 16 books of fiction and nonfiction. He lives with his wife in a small North American town, the location of which is secret.

From Publishers Weekly:

Canadian mystery writer Reynolds's irreverent guide lacks an overarching thesis or philosophical dimension yet is packed with playfully presented information. The author begins by describing the 11th-century Iranian-based cult known as the Assassins, noting its obvious parallels with al-Qaeda. Next, he traces the history of the Freemasons and the Illuminati, observing that "[a]ny review of U.S. history encounters Freemasons lurking behind every treaty, battle and statute." He then proceeds to sketch the complex history of the French cabal the Priory of Sion; details the belief systems of the Druids and Gnostics and their differing attitudes to secrecy; and explores how followers of the Kabbalah, "neither a religion nor an organization," came to be considered "secretive and sinister" (Reynolds comments lightheartedly on how "the Kabbalah was transformed into a supermarket of pious accoutrements" by the Kabbalah Center in L.A.). Chapters on Triads, the Mafia and Yakuza are adept in their focus on immigration and minority cultural traditions in American society. Reynolds is most provocative when drawing links between Skull and Bones and the CIA. He closes with a brief history of conspiracy theory, anti-Semitism and the risks of paranoid allegations. B&w photos. (Sept.)
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About this edition

• Publisher: Arcade Publishing
• Publication date: 2007
• ISBN 10: 1559708468
• ISBN 13: 9781559708463
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 320