LIFE The Hidden World of Secret Societies

by LIFE

Nothing intrigues us like a secret. And nothing entertains us as much as a secret revealed. In this LIFE Book, the editors of such other classic volumes as The Greatest Unsolved Mysteries of All Time look energetically into the hidden recesses of the world's prominent -- and sometimes obscure -- secret societies. From Yale's Skull and Bones to the Catholic church's Opus Dei, there are many mysterious organizations worldwide about which we think know some things, but not all. Until now. LIFE opens the doors, and peers inside. Famous for its photography, LIFE publishes here pictures from behind closed doors. Accompanying these pictures, many of which were first taken exclusively for LIFE, is an authoritative text reflecting the quickened pulse of a good mystery; the writers of both Unsolved Mysteries and the bestselling The Most Notorious Crimes in American History are behind this book. In special sections, LIFE will look back and explore historic Did the Round Table Really exist? Who was behind Easter Island and what was that society's dark secret? What was the clandestine Nazi group that went in search of Atlantis? Novelists and Hollywood, from Dan Brown to Indiana Jones, have often walked this way, and for good We love this stuff. Now LIFE brings forth its vibrant treatment. This is an always fun investigation of the hidden world of secret societies.

Genres: Nonfiction

128 pages, Hardcover

First published June 26, 2012

About the author

Life was an American magazine published weekly from 1883 to 1972, as an intermittent "special" until 1978, and as a monthly from 1978 until 2000. During its golden age from 1936 to 1972, Life was a wide-ranging weekly general interest magazine known for the quality of its photography.

Reviews

[Michelle]

Seriously terrible. Had I written this book in college for a project or thesis, I would have failed. Perhaps I was expecting something more in depth, or just something more serious, but I wasted an hour reading it and probably won't pick up another Life book again.

Full disclosure: I'm in a sorority. My husband is in several fraternities. I understand the reasons for exclusive groups. I understand the mystique of secret societies. I am interested in learning more about them, especially the older, "defunct" groups. This book just added to the hype of "ooh, it's secret, let's not tell anyone that we're writing this." That's dumb. No stars. Boo.

[Mr. Kovach · Rating 1 out of 5]

I usually like these Life books, but this one has two problems for me. 1) It doesn't go into sufficient detail about any of the secret societies for one to learn much of anything. 2) It's tone is silly, kind of jokey, throughout. ("The most fun question that could have been asked at any [Bush/Kerry, two Skull and Boners] debate would have been, 'Hey, Skull and Bones? What's up with that?'")

[Maya Barbery · Rating 5 out of 5]

great easy read that gives enough information to peak curiosity if you ant to do further rsearch.

[Jenna Loesch · Rating 4 out of 5]

I never read the original publication in 2012, but the 2020 reprint was pretty enjoyable. Maybe things were changed since then.

[Natalie Hayner]

putting the IRA under the “nefarious/villainous” section was certainly… a choice

[Donald · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well, the pictures sure are pretty and interesting, but there are virtually no secrets revealed within! It is simply a one page historical summary on many secret groups throughout the ages. I learned a bit, but wanted so much more! Handshakes? Signs? Alleged deeds/accomplishments? Not here. Really, what ARE they hiding???

[Robu-sensei · Rating 3 out of 5]

This brief review has a surprisingly, and laudably, skeptical stance, free of the usual conspiracy theories. On the other hand, the recurring motif of "Wow, here's some pictures of weird dead guys" marks it as somewhat less than a serious effort.

[Susanne · Rating 2 out of 5]

Definitely biased writing and not well written. Would have preferred a more objective perspective and the topic introduced in a more direct rather than scattered manner.

[Michael · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very basic description of some secret socities. A little too goofy for my taste, but the pictures are nice.

[Ed · Rating 1 out of 5]

Total crap. Wikipedia has more info on secret societies than this "book". Don't bother even picking it up off the shelf...

[Carolyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting

[Ruby Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was very interesting; I would've never thought there was so much figured out about secret societies.