The Illustrated Bloodline of the Holy Grail

Rating:
Summary: Bloodlines
Review: What is the Holy Grail? Is it a cup, literally? Or something more symbolic. The term is first mentioned in the middle ages in its Latin forms, Sangrael and San Graal. These two terms are essentially the same but their literal definitions differ. San Graal = Holy Grail....Sangreal = Royal Blood. It is this later meaning that Laurence Gardner believes is the real interpretation of the Grail legend. A lineage that traces back through the Kings of Europe and secret societies and to Jesus himself.

The illustrated version of Bloodline of the Holy Grail is essentially the same as its non-illustrated counterpart but with less information and (obviously) lots and lots of paintings that give further insight into the thoughts and ideals of the artists that conceived them. This book serves as a good introduction to Gardner's interpretations and I recommend this before diving into his other works. Here, Gardner structures his information carefully assuming nothing of the reader and attempts to not only reveal the secrets of the bloodline, but also the world that existed around it and what these earliest Christians were really like. Also, here you'll find a good overview of Christian history in general. Highly recommended for those with an open mind and willing to accept the possibility (and probability) that Gardner and other researchers are correct in their assertions.