Secret Societies of All Ages and Countries [Paperback]

Charles W. Heckethorn (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 20, 1992

A massive study of secret organizations which provides both historical and ritualistic information on groups of all kinds: occult, religious, political, anarchist, etc. About one-third of volume two is dedicated to Freemasonry, its rites and rituals, which it examines in some detail. A pleasure to read and an essential reference work, Highly recommended. Embracing the Mysteries of Ancient India, China, Japan, Egypt, Mexico, Peru, Greece, and Scandinavia; The Cabalists, Early Christians, Heretics, Assassins, Thugs, Templars, the Vehm and Inquisition, Mystics, Rosicrucians, Illuminati, Freemasons, Skopzi, Camorristi, Carbonari, Nihilists and Other Sects. Partial Contents: Ancient Mysteries; Magi, Mithraics; Gnostics; Essenes; Christian Initiations; Apocalypse; Lodge of Wisdom; Assassins; Druses; Dervishes; Mexican and Peruvian Mysteries; Druids; Scandinavian Mysteries; The Cabbala; Sons of the Widow; Mystics; Alchymists; Jacob Bohme; Emanuel Swedenborg; Martinism; Rosicrucians; Asiatic Brethren; Heretics; Chivalry; Templars; Judiciary; Holy Vehm; Inquisition; Illuminati; Anti-Social Societies; Thugs; Chauffeurs, or Burners; Garduna; Camorra; Mala Vita; Mafia; Beggars, Tramps, and Thieves; Jesuits; Skopzi.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 728 pages
• Publisher: Kessinger Publishing, LLC (November 20, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1564592960
• ISBN-13: 978-1564592965
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.2 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,886,795 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Comprehensive, But Dated, January 9, 2002

By 

Ex Libris GM (Heart of Dixie USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Secret Societies of All Ages and Countries (Paperback)

This book is probably one of the best around for a comprehensive view of many of the past "secret" societies of mankind, all over the world. Heckethorn presents both the historical background as well as the forms and ceremonies of initiation of these societies in a concise yet highly interesting manner. However, the book suffers from the fact that it was written in the late 19th century. Many, if not most, of the societies are long since defunct. A notable exception is Freemasonry & kindred Orders.Heckethorn presents a British and Continental view of that Fraternity which is about 90% accurate. He also does not treat other prominent fraternal orders of the period such as the Red Men, Knights of Pythias, Odd Fellows, Knights of Columbus, or American nativist orders.
But, all in all,his presentations are extremely lucid and practically indispensible to anyone interested in the history of
covert worldwide political and fraternal societies.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Extremely Interesting, August 30, 2005

By 

Anonymous - See all my reviews

This review is from: Secret Societies of All Ages and Countries (Paperback)

I found this book to be a most interesting look into secret societies, some of which I never knew existed. Some may be obscure but many are well known. Fascinating!

5.0 out of 5 stars About This Edition..., November 9, 2009

By 

Theseus "theseus" (US of A) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Secret Societies of All Ages and Countries (2 volumes) (Hardcover)

This review is for the University Books 1965 charming and hefty 2-Volume box set of the revised and expanded edition of 1896.

Two substantial volumes, red, gold, and blue cloth over boards with sewn bindings. In a somewhat cheesy mid-1960's slipcase of cream blue, red, black and grey with a maze logo.

Heckethorn's work has been reprinted several times over the years since the first edition of 1875. And this should be no surprise. His work is ridiculously comprehensive. Here's the complete title: The Secret Societies of All Ages and Countries, Embracing the Mysteries of Ancient India, China, Japan, Egypt, Mexico, Peru, Greece, and Scandinavia, the Cabbalists, early Christians, heretics, Assassins, Thugs, Templars, the Vehm and Inquisition, mystics, Rosicrucians, Illuminati, Freemasons, Skopzi, Camorristi, Carbonari, nihilists, and other sects.

And that's not all: additionally one can find Magi, Emanationists, Camorristi, Essenes, Hetairia, Crata Repoa, The Lodge of Wisdom, Dervishes, Green Island, The Goats, and many, many more.

Index, Bibliography, Addenda et Corrigenda.