A Brief History of Secret Societies: An Unbiased History of Our Desire for Secret Knowledge

Mr. Barrett's look into the history of various esoteric societies is refreshing in its objectivity and thorough research. This book will give the reader a brief but accurate look at various societies and how they interacted within the world at their time. Additionally, his intraspection on the Freemasons, Hermetic Philosophers, Gnostics, Templars, Neo-Platonism and various other groups include their affect on the world and other esoteric organizations with similar perspectives. In respect to the Freemasons singularly, this book references the works of both Knight and Short, discussing what they got right and what they got wrong. A wonderful read for history enthusists whom seek to broaden they're knowledge on heterodoxical societies and their sometimes blatant, sometimes subtle influence on our world today.

absolutely fascinating book. the author really discerns and disects tons of history and beliefs of many secret societies. That and it is accompanied by very very great insight and extremely informative. He does it too in a manner where it is not pressuring it on you. Just stating the facts and backing them up in a humble way. His intention is to inform not change beliefs. lots of learning to be had here for those who wish to pursue it. I had no idea the book would be this good. It was a christmas gift given to me completely at random and I am very grateful to have received it. It also reads like a history book, informative on religions. etc. A good book to also pick and chose what faith you would like to pursue or follow

With this book, Barrett paints the history of secret societies with a very broad brush, which is good in my opinion. So many of the other books get bogged down in a morass of minor details that may or may not have any substance. Barrett weaves all the threads from the different groups together to form a complete tapestry. You will come away with a much better understanding of how it all fits together. This is truly a history book, not paranoid hysteria.

Great book for a brief hit and miss history of secrect societies, how they formed, who disliked them and the conflicts they had that bring us to presnt day. Great read for a place to start learning about these societies.