Secret Societies of All Ages and Countries

Rating:
Summary: Comprehensive, But Dated
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: Comprehensive, But Dated
Review: 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.