Secret Societies of All Ages and Countries (Paperback)

~ Charles W. Heckethorn (Author) "Of man's original relation to Nature, whence we start, in order to render the essentials of physical science and Natural comprehensible in their inmost depth,..." (more)
Key Phrases: cubical stone, modern freemasonry, grand mistress, Grand Master, Grand Inquisitor, Holy Office (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

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: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,831,027 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

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	G. L. Marshall Jr. (Gurley, AL USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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

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!