• Secret Societies

  • Inside the Freemasons, the Yakuza, Skull and Bones, and the World's Most Notorious Secret Organizations
  • By: John Lawrence Reynolds
  • Narrated by: Fred Sanders
  • Length: 10 hrs and 34 mins
  • 4.2 out of 5 stars (594 ratings)

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Secret Societies

By: John Lawrence Reynolds
Narrated by: Fred Sanders
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Publisher's summary

Does a sinister cabal actually control international affairs? Were William Shakespeare and Abraham Lincoln secretly involved with a group founded to discover and preserve the principles of alchemy? Has an ancient mystical religion really been reduced to a length of red string that sells for a dollar an inch? Secret societies surround us, yet they often remain a mystery. Their secrecy suggests sacrilege and crime, and their loyalties stand accused of undermining the world's governments. They generate fear, suspicion, and - above all - fascination.

From the parched wadis of the Middle East to the crowded boutiques of Beverly Hills, award-winning author John Lawrence Reynolds peels away centuries of speculation and paranoia and shines a brilliant light on organizations that have been shrouded in secrecy for ages, from the Templars and the Mafia to the Priory of Sion and Skull & Bones. He offers a smart and surprising behind-the-scenes exploration of the tales - confirmed and fabricated - that surround the best-known and often least-understood secret societies.

©2011 John Lawrence Reynolds (P)2012 Audible, Inc.
  • Unabridged Audiobook
  • Categories: History
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Editorial reviews

Narrator Fred Sanders takes listeners on a tour of such infamous historical groups as Yakuza, the Priory of Sion, and the Freemasons in a voice that is sober, clear, and measured. Appropriate, since Secret Societies, by Canadian author John Lawrence Reynolds, is hardly the stuff of tinfoil hat-wearing conspiracy theorists. Reynolds takes a researched-based approach to these sensational shadow groups, debunking his share of conspiracy theories along the way. And yet, chapters on The Assassins, the 11th-century Iranian spiritual cousin to al-Qaeda, and Skull and Bones, the Yale-based group that boasts such members as George W. Bush and John Kerry, demonstrate that the histories of even historical groups can be frighteningly relevant. A fascinating trip through time, Secret Societies, is catnip for history buffs.

What listeners say about Secret Societies

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amazing

amazing book with a lot of background information and details. my commute never seemed to be that short.

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Great information!!!

I enjoyed listening about all the secret society’s that I knew existed and learning of a few new one’s I didn’t know about.

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Glad I listened, saved me time with my eyes

I saw this book in the library and decided to look it up on audible. I'm glad that I just listened to it for I would have been disappointed if I had took the time to actually read it with my eyes. the author is somewhat in his own opinion as much as everybody is allowed to have their own opinion. all in all it's worth listening to but I'm glad I didn't waste my time reading it. it has some informative aspects here and there. like I said I'm glad I listen to it. I have read other books and I can make up my own assumption throughout things. as much as everybody has the right to as well.

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quite informative

I disagree with some a few of the conclusions of the author. However, I thought the book was well researched and informative.

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indeapth and intriguing

Very good look at the origins through modern secret societies as well as other nafarious and religious groups.

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interesting read

Trying to balance superstition, reality and conspiracy theory behind secret societies. A great read to know some historical aspects but use your critical thinking. and filters to discern where reality and conspiracy exists.

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Good But Not Great

It was worth reading. I learned a lot that I didn't know. Some portions were in the "tall tale" genre.

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I had no idea

Very interesting and unsettling. I'll have to do research on much of this. Worth reading. Good for book clubs.

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Great book

Great touch on the different secret societies. Loved learning little tidbits that relate to our holidays or everyday lives and rituals.

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8 people found this helpful

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Unbelievable

I am wondering why people pretend they want sustainable change when they support secret societies that like things just the way they are? I am neutral because people are not mentally prepare for certain information. However, I want honesty and integrity.

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