Download or read book Secret Societies written by John Lawrence Reynolds and published by Skyhorse Publishing, Inc.. This book was released on 2011-09-01 with total page 310 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Provides a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the world's most notorious secret societies, chronicling their origins, history, initiations, rituals, beliefs, activities, secret signs, members, and influence.

Download or read book The Illuminati written by Charles River Charles River Editors and published by Createspace Independent Publishing Platform. This book was released on 2017-01-08 with total page 54 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: *Includes pictures *Includes Adam Weishaupt's quotes about the Illuminati *Includes online resources and a bibliography for further reading "G is Grace, the Flaming Star is the Torch of Reason. Those who possess this knowledge are indeed Illuminati." - Adam Weishaupt "The very word 'secrecy' is repugnant in a free and open society; and we as a people inherently and historically opposed to secret societies, to secret oaths, and to secret proceedings..." - President John F. Kennedy The emergence of secret societies has always been one of the most fascinating facets of civilization, a phenomenon that has been around since the birth of mankind. Even centuries after some of these groups were founded, they remain well-known, such as the Knights Templar, a group of armored warriors who hailed from the Holy Land. The Skulls and Bones and the Freemasons are a few more names that immediately ring a bell. But of all of history's secret societies, the legend behind one's name surpasses them all: the Illuminati. Of the countless secret societies that have risen and fallen since the dawn of time, none could come close to touching the notoriety of the Illuminati. Particularly in recent years, the legendary order has starred in thousands upon thousands of books, articles, documentaries, movies, music, internet memes, and other mediums of entertainment. They are one of the chief targets for conspiracy connoisseurs, and the supposed masters of symbolic subliminal messages hidden in the media. Regardless of the veracity behind any of the conspiracy theories, there can be no denying the profound impact of the group over the past few centuries. Even those who find nothing untoward in the history of the Illuminati understand the importance of the society's mystique, from its origins in Bavaria to its founder, Adam Weishaupt, along with those who carried the society to its peak. Without question, there have been an endless number of conspiracy theories surrounding the Illuminati that have long had the world buzzing, a trend that continues on to this very day. The Illuminati: The History of One of the World's Most Notorious Secret Societies examines the true history of the influential fellowship, its mastermind, and the members that created the backbone of the lionized society. This work also looks at the fate of the Illuminati in the modern age, from the ludicrous to the disconcertingly convincing. Along with pictures depicting important people, places, and events, you will learn about the Illuminati like never before.

Download or read book The Illuminati written by Jim Marrs and published by Visible Ink Press. This book was released on 2017-05-22 with total page 417 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A deep dive into the origins, history, members, and workings of the Illuminati from a well-known and respected expert. Chilling initiations. Big banks and money manipulations. Possible links to the Rockefellers, Rothschilds, Adamses, and Bushes. Reviewing the evidence, documents, and connections, The Illuminati: The Secret Society That Hijacked the World by award-winning journalist and author Jim Marrs shines a light on the history, workings, continuing influence, and pernicious and hidden power of this secret order. Surveying experts—from those who dismiss the Illuminati as a short-lived group of little consequence to skeptics who dare question the government's accounts and pronouncements—Marrs cuts through the wild speculation and the attempts to silence critical thinkers to tell the true story of this secret cabal. Gnosticism, mystery schools, the Roshaniya, Knights Templar, assassins, Rosicrucians, Skull and Bones, Knights of Malta, whistle blowers, the revolutions in France, Russia, and America, and the structure, symbols, and theology of the Illuminati are all covered. Marrs takes a broad look at the group and their workings, investigating their origin as “The Ancient and Illuminated Seers of Bavaria,” the depiction on the United States one-dollar bill of an all-seeing eye and pyramid on the reverse of the Great Seal of the United States, and the Protocols—or procedures—for usurping national governments and gaining world domination, as well as the Illuminati symbolism found in today's international corporate logos. Wealth, power, and intrigue come together in this in-depth exposé on the Illuminati, their history, connections to influential people, and their place in modern America. The Illuminati lifts the cloaks of secrecy protecting the powerful.

Download or read book Illuminati The Secret Society That Hijacked the World The History of One of the World s Most Notorious Secret Societies written by Patrick Hunter and published by Patrick Hunter. This book was released on 101-01-01 with total page 244 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Surveying experts—from those who dismiss the illuminati as a short-lived group of little consequence to skeptics who dare question the government's accounts and pronouncements—marrs cuts through the wild speculation and the attempts to silence critical thinkers to tell the true story of this secret cabal. Gnosticism, mystery schools, the roshaniya, knights templar, assassins, rosicrucians, skull and bones, knights of malta, whistle blowers, the revolutions in france, russia, and america, and the structure, symbols, and theology of the illuminati are all covered. You will learn: · The origins of the illuminati and how they came to be · The secrets of the illuminati's hidden symbols and their true meaning · The illuminati's influence in politics, media, and entertainment · The truth behind the illuminati's supposed involvement in world events · And much more! Regardless of the veracity behind any of the conspiracy theories, there can be no denying the profound impact of the group over the past few centuries. Even those who find nothing untoward in the history of the illuminati understand the importance of the society’s mystique, from its origins in bavaria to its founder, adam weishaupt, along with those who carried the society to its peak. Without question, there have been an endless number of conspiracy theories surrounding the illuminati that have long had the world buzzing, a trend that continues on to this very day.

Download or read book The Illuminati Revealed written by James Driver and published by Createspace Independent Publishing Platform. This book was released on 2017-03-19 with total page 28 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Discover All The Hidden Truth About Illuminati LIMITED TIME OFFER! 50% OFF! (Regular Price $5.99) Figure out Exactly What The Illuminati Is There is so much going on in the world today that it has become frightening. War, famine, disease, and chaos seems to have taken over. Could there be something or someone behind all the political infighting, high insurance premiums, economic breakdowns with people losing their homes, and the hype the news media has been putting on all of it. There is an answer to that question, and that answer is the Illuminati. The Illuminati is real and more and more is coming out about the secret society; as well as other secret societies that branch off from the Illuminati like the Freemasons, and the Shriners. The Illuminati shroud themselves in the veil of philanthropy and Christianity when, all the while, they are plotting and planning a New World Order. The reality of a one world government is slowly approaching and the Illuminati is looking to eliminate the -average citizen- and bring about whole world change via their billion dollar empires. There are 13 ruling families that govern the Illuminati along with many other prominent families that rule under them in every industry imaginable. Each family controls the banking industry, chemical industry, entertainment and multi-media industries, the oil industry, and so many other industries that their reach is unimaginable. There are many conspiracy theories regarding the Illuminati including Satanism and the occult. It's time you learned more. In this book we will -Discover the origins of the Illuminati -Learn about the 13 ruling families of the Illuminati -Discuss the History behind the Illuminati and those who have studied them -Learn how to protect yourself from the Illuminati -Learn what their plan is for our world What You'll Learn from -The Illuminati Revealed!- -The History of the Illuminati -The Mission and Beliefs of the Illuminati -How the Illuminati Affects Our World -How to Protect Yourself From the Illuminati Want to Know More? Hurry! For a limited time you can download -The Illuminati Revealed! - Discover The Secrets, History, And Motives Behind This Mysterious Organization- for a special discounted price of only $2.99 Download Your Copy Right Now! Just Scroll to the top of the page and select the Buy Button. -----

Download or read book The Most Evil Secret Societies in History written by Shelley Klein and published by Michael O'Mara Books. This book was released on 2011-09-30 with total page 294 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "The Most Evil Secret Societies in History" examines fifteen of the most notorious organisations the world has ever seen.

Download or read book Inside the Illuminati Evidence Objectives and Methods of Operation written by Mark Dice and published by The Resistance. This book was released on 2014-10-31 with total page 181 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: When looking into the existence and alleged activities of the infamous Illuminati secret society, one finds an overwhelming amount of conspiracy theories, hidden history, half-truths and hoaxes. But how much truth is there to some of these claims you keep hearing about? What is the real history of the mysterious group? Do they continue to exist today? What is the evidence? And what are they doing? After a decade of research sifting through the facts and the fiction, secret society expert Mark Dice will help you navigate through the complex maze from the original documents to rare revelations by elite politicians, bankers and businessmen, as he takes you Inside the Illuminati. SUBJECTS INCLUDE: How and when the original writings of Adam Weishaupt and the Illuminati were discovered and what they say. See their own contingency plans showing they were prepared to continue operating in the event that they were discovered. The direct link between the Skull & Bones society at Yale University and the Bavarian Illuminati. The connection to communism and Karl Marx’ admission that he was a member of a secret society which commissioned him to write The Communist Manifesto. How they control the mainstream news media and use blockbuster films as propaganda tools to promote their agenda and shape our culture. How they created various front groups like the Bilderberg Group, the Council on Foreign Relations, and the Federal Reserve to carry out their plans. Discover the virtually unknown secret society of secretaries and personal assistants who are trusted to serve elite businessmen and politicians. Investigations into the supposed bloodlines of the Illuminati, the Nephilim, and the Divine right of kings. Uncovering the Zodiac Club and their little-known twelve-member intimate dinner parties in New York. The elite secret society of scientists funded by the Department of Defense who were responsible for creating the atomic bomb. The secret of “sex magic” and its alleged capabilities and perverted practitioners. The Jesuits, the Black Pope, and the Vatican’s child molesting mafia. Looking into allegations of child abuse, murder, and snuff films rumored to have taken place at the Bohemian Grove. The all-female version of the Bohemian Grove consisting of America’s most powerful women. Stunning Rockefeller and Rothschild family admissions and the extent of their power and influence. The secret Jekyll Island meeting that gave birth to the Federal Reserve System. Skull & Bones sister societies Scroll & Key and Wolf’s Head at Yale University and the inter-council meetings these “Big Three” hold. The strange spiritual beliefs, philosophies, and occult symbolism of the Mystery Schools and their offshoots. Investigations into alleged ex-members ‘Doc’ Marquis, Leo Zagami, Kevin Trudeau, Brice Taylor, George Green, Mark Cleminson, and others. The Illuminati’s ultimate goal of creating a New World Order, a cashless society, and soon revealing the “royal secret,” admitting that they do in fact worship Satan. Their Transhumanist dream to become immortal Gods using advanced anti-aging technology, cybernetic neural interfaces, and mind uploading for what they see as the final step in human evolution. Their preparation for the arrival of the Illuminati messiah (the Antichrist), believing that he will finally rule planet earth as a God. How you can work to free yourself from mental, spiritual, and financial enslavement and avoid many of the traps set to ensnare ignorant and uniformed people. By the author of The Illuminati: Facts & Fiction

Download or read book Who Are the Illuminati written by Lindsay Porter and published by Collins & Brown. This book was released on 2005-10-10 with total page 260 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: How are the origins of the French Revolution, the murder of the Romanovs, the design of the dollar bill and the Roswell UFO incident connected? The answer is one of the world’s most mysterious and feared secret societies – the Illuminati. References to the Illuminati span centuries, yet reliable historical evidence is scant. What is known is that on 1 May 1776, at the height of the European Enlightenment, Adam Weishaupt, a professor of canon law at the University of Ingolstadt in Bavaria, founded a secret society of freethinkers, or ‘enlightened ones’ – the Illuminati. The group was formed to discuss and disseminate the radical philosophies of the day, and secrecy was crucial to its survival: neither church nor crown would have countenanced the group’s anticlerical and antimonarchist ideas. At its height the Illuminati numbered 2,500, with members across Europe, including some of the period’s leading thinkers. Yet just 12 years after the group’s founding, it was disbanded by a governmental edict and the Illuminati ceased to exist. Or did it? For nearly 250 years references to the Illuminati and its alleged influence on major world events have continued to resurface. There are those who claim the Illuminati is much older than its first recorded incarnation suggests, dating its origins to the time of the Pyramids, and others who believe the group is literally not of this planet but part of an alien culture bent on taking over the earth. This book looks at the reality and the myths, questions the allegations and explores how fears about the group have taken many different forms, whether fear of intellectuals during the Enlightenment, or fear of communists during the McCarthy era. An internet search reveals that belief in the group’s shadowy influence is positively thriving – what does that say about us today? And are we right to be afraid?

Download or read book The Illuminati written by Mark Dice and published by Mark Dice. This book was released on 2009 with total page 428 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Secret societies have both fascinated and frightened people for hundreds of years. Often the infamous Illuminati is mentioned as the core of conspiracies which span the globe. The Illuminati is actually a historical secret society which had goals of revolutions and world domination dating back to the 1770s. Since then, rumors and conspiracy theories involving the Illuminati continue to spread, sometimes finding their way into popular novels like Dan Brown's Angels & Demons and Hollywood movies like Lara Croft: Tomb Raider. Some men have even come forward claiming to be former members, offering details of what they allege are the inner workings of the organization. When you sift through all of the information available on the subject, you may be surprised that the truth is stranger than fiction. In The Illuminati: Facts & Fiction, conspiracy and occult expert Mark Dice separates history from Hollywood and shows why tales of the secret society won't die. - Original Writings and Documents - Purported Texts - Freemasonry's Connections - The Georgia Guidestones - Alleged Victims and Defectors - Aliens and Reptillians - Activists and Eyewitnesses - Fictional books - Fictional films - TV references - The Music Industry - Mainstream Media Manipulation - Documentary Films - Pre Illuminati Organizations - The Luciferian Doctrine - The Federal Reserve - Skull and Bones - The Bilderberg Group - Bohemian Grove - The Council on Foreign Relations - The Franklin Cover-up - Sex Magic - Election Fraud - The Necronomicon - The Church of Satan - The Secret Doctrine - Emerald Tablet - The Book of Thoth - The Book of Dzyan - The Report From Iron Mountain - Protocols of the Elders of Zion - The Holy Grail - MK-ULTRA Documents - The Satanic Bible - The Secret Doctrine - David Rockefeller's Memoirs - Memoirs Illustrating the History of Jacobinism - Secret Societies and Subversive Movements - Occult Theocrasy - Externalization of the Hierarchy - None Dare Call It Conspiracy - Magick: In Theory and Practice - Bloodlines of the Illuminati - The Lexicon of Freemasonry - Morals and Dogma - The Secret Teachings of All Ages - Myron Fagan - Edith Miller - Gary Allen - Abbe Barruel - Nesta Webster - Anthony J. Hilder - John Robison - Johnny Gosch - William Morgan - Chris Jones, former Bohemian Grove employee - Ted Gunderson former FBI Agent - John Todd - Bill Schnoebelen - Mike Warnke - Cathy O'Brien - Aleister Crowley - Alice Bailey - Benjamine Creme - William Cooper - Carol Quigley - Zeitgeist's Peter Joseph - Helena Blavatsky - Phil Schneider - Benjamin Fulford - Hal Turner, FBI informant - Manly P. Hall - Fritz Springmeier - Albert Pike - Anton LaVey - David Icke - And More By the author of The New World Order: Facts & Fiction

Download or read book The World s Most Dangerous Secret Societies written by James Jackson and published by Createspace Independent Publishing Platform. This book was released on 2015-03 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: To some the name "secret society" conjures up an image of a shadowy and elite cabal meeting behind smoke-filled rooms, discussing tactics of world domination and manipulation straight out of the most far-fetched espionage thriller. To others, the image of secluded men (and occasionally women!) banding together in exotic garb to perform colorful ceremonies and impart hidden knowledge and fancy but incomprehensible titles upon one another springs to mind. But just how far-fetched and fanciful is the prospect of a secret society? Could it be that there walks among us, in any given echelon of the population, groups given to exercise inordinate amounts of power and influence over the rest of us? Could these exotic members-only clubs really pose such an immediate threat to our well-being that our very way of life is endangered? Well, quite frankly the disturbing answer to those particular questions are yes and yes. Right in our midst there absolutely exists clandestine organizations consisting of both men and women who wield a dangerous amount of influence and power over the entire world populace.In his book entitled "The World's Most Dangerous Secret Societies" author James Jackson explores these dangerous secret organizations and its members; their beliefs, hidden agenda and their ultimate goal of a New World Order and world domination. Here are a few of some of the dangerous secret societies that will be thoroughly examined.* The Freemasons* The Illuminati* Skull And Bones* The Bilderberg Group* Council on Foreign Relations* The Trilateral Commission* The Society of Jesuits* The Committee of 300* The Knights TemplarAnd Much Much More.....

Download or read book The Illuminati written by My Ebook Publishing House and published by SC Active Business Development Srl. This book was released on 2016-11-23 with total page 28 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Being a secret society that remained obscure even after exhaustive studies done by enthusiasts, the Illuminati have forever captured the interest of the world's researchers and conspiracy theorists. You will soon discover the most popular conspiracy theories regarding the Illuminati. This includes their involvement in wars, communism, and terrorist attacks. You will also find out what many believe to be the Illuminati's plans for the future of the world, and their supposed development of a new world order! Download your copy today!

Download or read book The Illuminati s Greatest Hits written by Frank White and published by Createspace Independent Publishing Platform. This book was released on 2014-03-12 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Birth through Adam Weishaupt in 1776 the secret society group known as the Illuminati have been wreaking havoc on the world ever since. They have fomented wars and have manipulated events from behind the shadows to sinisterly and diabolically implement their agenda of a New World Order. People have heard of the Illuminati through popular culture, but most brush off their existence as nothing more than some "conspiracy theory" hatched by conspiracy theorists without doing any valid research that would perhaps discount their existence.Shame on them, because if they did the necessary research they would conclude that the Illuminati do actually exist in the annals of history. However, they supposedly disbanded which of course is not the case. Nonetheless, this powerful secret society is headed by 13 distinct bloodlines consisting of prominent families that you've probably heard of like the Rothschilds and the Rockefellers. Behind the scenes the Illuminati are planning and implementing their New World Order agenda through organizations that they've created like the Council on Foreign Relations, The Bilderberg Group, The Trilateral Commission and many other entities.They are shaping the world right in front of our eyes, but many are unable to see their hidden hand. They have toppled countries and their leaders not only through the acts of deception, corruption, and theft, but also through flat out murder and assassinations, all in the name of creating a New World Order. They have disrupted progressive movements like the Civil Rights movement of the 60's and have disposed of people who opposed them and refused to surrender to their Global Empire.In his book entitled The Illuminati's Greatest Hits: Deception, Conspiracies, Murders And Assassinations By The World's Most Powerful Secret Society author Frank White in a follow up to his best-selling book "Who Are The Illuminati?" covers the major historical figures from various time periods who simply stood in the way of the Illuminati and their New World Order Global Empire Machine or flat out rejected its overtures and as a result were assassinated and eliminated. The following events and people will be covered. The French Revolution and the execution of Louis XVI, The Sinking of the Titanic, the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, Robert Kennedy, and John F. Kennedy Jr. The assassination of the Archduke Franz Ferdinand, Patrice Lumumba, Malcolm X, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Pope John Paul I, Jaime Roldas, Omar Torrijos, Muammar Gadhafi and the murder of Princess Diana. Simply put this is the most controversial and explosive book of the 21st Century!

Download or read book The Illuminati written by Robert Howells and published by Watkins Media Limited. This book was released on 2016-10-18 with total page 225 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: WikiLeaks and Anonymous are driven by the same ideals and aims as the Illuminati were 250 years ago, and the next counter culture revolution has already begun online. Throughout history governments, dictators and religious leaders have fought to cling to power by either force or manipulation. To counter these there have always been secret societies and groups working in the shadows for the emancipation of humanity. The Illuminati formed in 1776 among European Freemasons and academics with the intention of liberating humanity from physical, mental and spiritual bondage. This brought them into conflict with the ruling elite and religion, but during their brief incarnation they encapsulated the entire ethos of counter-culture into a single system of organized dissent that is still relevant today. The term Illuminati has since become usurped by the idea of a New World Order, but their principles live on through counter-culture and the connected communities of the internet age. Hacktivits and cultural movements like Anonymous and WikiLeaks currently wage war against corrupt corporations and government agencies that try to oppress and exploit society. This book is a wake up call for all who value their liberty and privacy to join the battle to protect counter-culture before it is too late.

Download or read book Founding Fathers Secret Societies written by Robert Hieronimus and published by Simon and Schuster. This book was released on 2005-12-28 with total page 256 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: An exploration of the influence of secret societies on the formative documents and symbols of the United States • Reveals the Founding Fathers’ spiritual vision for America as encoded in the Great Seal • Traces the influence of the Iroquois League of Nations upon the Constitution • Exposes the deep connections the Founding Fathers had with the Freemasons and other secret societies All children growing up in America learn who the Founding Fathers were. Most, however, never learn of the founders’ connections to the Freemasons, the Rosicrucians, and other esoteric orders. In Founding Fathers, Secret Societies Robert Hieronimus investigates these important connections and how their influence can be traced throughout our most significant national documents and symbols, especially the Great Seal. He reveals in detail how the reverse of the Great Seal--which appears on the back of the one-dollar bill--is a blueprint that conveys the secret destiny of America. By understanding the kabbalistic meaning of the Great Seal’s reverse, he shows how our current era presents unique opportunities for the fulfillment of our Founding Fathers’ spiritual vision.

Download or read book Secret Societies written by Nick Redfern and published by Visible Ink Press. This book was released on 2017-03-14 with total page 400 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Claims and counter-claims. Accusations and allegations. NSA spying and suppressed evidence. Cover-ups and threats. Documented connections and intrigue. Suggestions of a New World Order. Are we to believe the coincidences are mere chance? Might the paranoid be on to something? Who really holds the levers of power? History admonishes us to be vigilant of hidden plots and nefarious agendas of governments and the powerful. Shedding light onto sometimes sinister and coercive groups, Secret Societies: The Complete Guide to Histories, Rites, and Rituals is packed with details on nearly 200 organizations, their histories, found members, backgrounds, and suspected conspiracies. It uncovers and examines the hidden, overlooked, and buried history of some of the most notorious groups, including the Illuminati, the Freemasons, Skull and Bones, World Bankers, the Secret Government, and extraterrestrial invaders, to name a few. Tracing the chilling and corrosive affects of powerful cliques and their plots, it exposes their deep reach into the operations of today's world. Providing gripping details, presenting the facts, and letting the reader decide, this revealing work probes the hidden agendas and agreements of secret cabals and associations. Along the way, it debunks myths and presents the evidence on an invisible world of influence and power.

Download or read book A History of Secret Societies written by Arkon Daraul and published by Citadel Press. This book was released on 1962 with total page 260 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Almost every social system throughout history has produced its secret societies. Here is a unique study of such societies from earliest recorded times to the present, along with an analysis of their forms, rituals, and beliefs. The author has traveled extensively to gather documentation. The Charcoal Burners of Italy, the Castrators of Russia, the Old Man of the Mountains, and the Gnostics are but a few of the many described.

Download or read book The Bavarian Illuminati written by René Le Forestier and published by Simon and Schuster. This book was released on 2022-02-15 with total page 879 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: • Details the rise and fall of this famous and infamous Order, including its penetration of Bavarian society and its destruction by the Bavarian government • Explains the Bavarian Illuminati’s grades, rituals, ceremonies, and fundamental philosophies and examines the leaders of the Order • Contains the only surviving record of documents that were destroyed during the two World Wars The Bavarian Order of the Illuminati is the most celebrated secret society in the world. Though officially lasting only 11 years, the powerful spell and shadow cast by the Illuminati still looms in the present day, where its influence can be seen in current conspiracy beliefs and actions by powerful individuals working in the shadows. The original Order of the Illuminati was founded by Bavarian professor Adam Weishaupt in 1776. Although the order was banned and brought down by the Bavarian Elector in 1787--when he became aware of the extent to which it had infiltrated the courts, schools, and his own administration--its legend and deep influence lives on to this day. Charting the rise and fall of this infamous order, this book--first published in French in 1915 and never before available in English--remains the definitive history of the Order of the Bavarian Illuminati. It also offers a revealing look at the world that spawned and shaped it: a ceaseless ferment of revolutionary and occult ideas and the ceaseless attempts by crown and church to suppress them. Other secret societies that shared the stage with the Illuminati during these years include the Templar Strict Observance, von Hund’s Templar Freemasonry, and other Masonic lodges the Illuminati targeted to subvert for their own purposes. Many of the documents the author consulted for the writing of this book were destroyed during the two World Wars, making this book the only surviving record of many of the order’s secrets. The author explains the Bavarian Illuminati’s grades, rituals, and ceremonies as well as its fundamental philosophies. He paints vivid portraits of the leaders of the order, including Weishaupt, Baron Knigge, and Xavier von Zwack. He reveals how Weishaupt early on decided to subvert the existing German Freemason Lodge as a shortcut to gain esoteric hegemony over the occult world, all in order to extend Illuminati influence into the society at large and the government. The author also provides extensive detail of the order’s eventual destruction by the Bavarian government. In addition to its revelation of little-known secrets of the Illuminati Order, the author also sheds new light on much of the occult life of this time, including the activities of figures such as Cagliostro and Mirabeau and other active groups such as Freemason chapters, the Rosicrucians, and the Martinists.