flijn's review against another edition
4.0
Very readable and informative overview of the history of secret societies like the Freemasons and Rosicrucians. Barrett makes sure he doesn't claim more than the evidence backs up, and when he specultaes he clearly says so.
He covers (among others) the Zoroastrians and Gnostics of the first centuries before and after CE, via the Cathars and Knights Templar of the 12th century, the Rosicrucians and Freemasons foundedc in the 17th century until finally the stream of esoteric movements from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Mostly these are glossed over in order to show the similarities and differences between the movements. The main aurgument: direct lineage via underground secret societies is highly unlikely, but ideas and images can survive and adapt to new times and places.
Good introduction and a usefull background to learn in more detail about the beliefs and practices of the movements.
He covers (among others) the Zoroastrians and Gnostics of the first centuries before and after CE, via the Cathars and Knights Templar of the 12th century, the Rosicrucians and Freemasons foundedc in the 17th century until finally the stream of esoteric movements from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Mostly these are glossed over in order to show the similarities and differences between the movements. The main aurgument: direct lineage via underground secret societies is highly unlikely, but ideas and images can survive and adapt to new times and places.
Good introduction and a usefull background to learn in more detail about the beliefs and practices of the movements.
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