Bloodline of the Holy Grail: The Hidden Lineage of Jesus Revealed

by Laurence Gardner

BLOODLINE OF THE HOLY GRAIL The Hidden Lineage of Jesus

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Religion, Conspiracy Theories, Christianity, Historical, Spirituality

454 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1996

About the author

Laurence Gardner was a prominent author and speaker in the alternative history genre of research and writing.
--from the author's website

Reviews

[David Dom · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this a very interesting book to read and would recommend it to others. It tells so much more then just the Jesus lineage, because you also learn in which surroundings Christianity was born, and how to interpret the Bible's fantastic stories with every-day Jewish tradition and symbolism. You learn how the apostles Paul and Peter abused the teachings of Christ just to draw more power themselves and create the power-hungry Catholic Church of Rome which contradicts all the basic teachings of Jesus but still prevails to this day. Sometimes I do wonder where the author does get his evidence from, from time to time it's obscure, and sometimes its based on theories that are generally not considered valid, but until they are proven to be invalid they should never be dismissed out of hand (as happens too often by historians nowadays). All in all, the book gives you something worth thinking about, and I do recommend it to anyone interested in the subject!

[Debbi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bloodline of the Holy Grail has something in common with a really good mystery: its true purpose is revealed only in the last few pages, even though a very clear clue appears at the beginning. Bloodline features a glowing forward written by one "HRH Prince Michael of Albany Head of the Royal House of Stewart." It describes the book as having "incredible insight," and as "a remarkable achievement in the field of genealogical research." The forward admits that "rare is the historian acquainted with such compelling facts as are gathered in this work." Six pages from the end of the book, Laurence Gardner reveals that "foremost" in the living descendants of the Bloodline of Jesus of Nazareth and Mary Magdalene is the "present 7th count of Albany: Prince Michel James Alexander Stewart, Duc d'Aquitaine, Comte de Blois, Head of the Sacred Kindred of St. Columba, Knight Grand Commander of the Order of the Temple of Jerusalem, Patron Grand officer of the International Society of Commission Officers for the Commonwealth and President of the European Council of Princes." This book is by way of being an apology for the claims of Michael of Albany as the true heir to the throne of England, at the very least, and perhaps France and much of Europe as well. Maybe even to the House of Israel.

Like any good conspiracy theorist, Gardner claims to have certain knowledge unavailable to the general public, alludes to documents that have been hidden by the authorities, and promises that these truths and documents will be brought out when the time is right. Much like Dana Fuller Ross, who wrote a series of books wherein her fictional family and its descendant lines experienced every major event in American history through the turn of the 20th century and had dealings with every prominent politician and celebrity as a means of weaving an epic historical fiction; Laurence Gardner weaves both historic events and documented genealogies with myth, legend, and outright fiction to produce connections for virtually everything that ever happened in Europe and Britain between 4BC and 1996AD. He has created an imaginative set of offices, titles and rites within the Judaic temple and political cultures to explain away the events portrayed in the New Testament Gospels; given even more credence to the idea of manipulation of creed, doctrine, politics and religion by the Catholic church than even the early Protestants did. While the super-natural and extra-natural events described in the New Testament may be difficult for many to accept, they pale in imaginative creativity to Gardner's theories.

I have never had a problem with the idea of Jesus having been married, and if he was, Mary of Magdala is as good a candidate for his spouse as anyone. I have no problem with the idea that he could have fathered a child, or even that Mary and that child could have escaped Roman persecution by fleeing to France. There is, after all, no verifiable documentation either way: that it did or did not happen. It makes for interesting speculation and thought. Being a husband and father would in no way have prevented nor precluded Jesus from being the Son of God and atoning for the sins of mankind, offering them a way to reconcile with and return to the Father. However the point is there is NO verifiable documentation.

Genealogical and historical research are about verifiable documentation. Not about what can be "read into" or "surmised from" writings that are either presented as being in "code" (as Gardner claims the New Testament to be) or purported to be hidden or previously destroyed by a malicious political or religious entity (as Gardner accuses both the Catholic Church and the British government of doing.)

The beginning of the book provided me with a number of "laugh out loud" moments as I read through Gardner's elaborate "explanations" of the Grail Code hidden in the language of the New Testament. The middle of the book required a few second readings of various passages to convince myself he really had made such leaps of genealogical and historical fancy. The last pages were simply sad as I realized that poor Micheal of Albany is never going to realize his dreams of recognition--particularly not based on the "evidence" presented here.

[Catriona333 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this about 1999 & it was my introduction to the Jesus was married to Mary Magdalene theory. That Christ, King David, King Arthur were all truly related according to this British Royal genealogist got my attention & my daughter's. I haven't read Holy Blood, Holy Grail the book that introduced most folk to the idea of Jesus & Mary with a child.

[Tami · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and I will be using it in my research for many years to come.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

From what I can see, this book is as close to accurate one can get concerning ancient history. Beginning near the time of King David of Israel/Judah and continuing to near the present. Very interesting genealogical history of the line of Jesus and brother James. Well worth reading. You will not see the kings and queens of Europe quite the same.

[Joe Wisniewski · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the first quart of the book. I gained some insights that I wasn't aware of in terms of the early days in the lives of the apostles, the political landscape of the Jewish society/culture.

However, it became clear that the author was going to take an approach as tunnel-visioned as Bible literalists; in this case, NOTHING in the Bible was to be taken literally. I can understand the concept of symbolism and can even appreciate that in some cases, "symbolic" or hiddem messages were embedded within the gospels. The author goes quite overboard in this regard in terms of looking for hidden messages everywhere (and without much meaningful documentation.)

I could have tolerated that until it was clear that this was going down the old route of the "Jesus didn't really die" story thus denying the only real issue that defines the "Christ"; that being the Atonement. Without that, this is entirely academic and barely interesting geneology story.

[Ann444 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting, held my attention, but Sir Laurence would like us to believe that European royalty descended from Jesus and Mary Magdalene. What's the point? Even if they did, what examples of people who didn't live up to their heritage.

[Lise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting and informative

[Wysteria Campion · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is just heresy.

[Wilmar Taal · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is a school example of bad research. Really, really, really bad research... although it is pleasantly written, but so is Harry Potter... which was better researched than this.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The theme of Jesus’ lineage has been a hot topic during the last decade, and Gardner only offers a few original morsels. I found Chapters 3-8 the most enjoyable, as they deal with Jesus’ birth, life and ministry. Gardener references many obscure texts to justify his interpretation of the events which creates an interesting alternate theory. Later in the book, the pages were often bogged down with genealogical language that made me feel as if I was reading the “begats” in the Bible. There was a lot of superfluous embellishment of the Arthurian legend that seemed disconnected. I did enjoy the history of Roman Catholicism, but the final third of the book was tedious. While I love a good conspiracy theory, this particular book didn’t keep me engaged throughout.

[John Taylor Pullen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This seemed more and more frustrating to me over time as I became more and more familiar with his work ⏤ it's obscured in the sense that it's nearly impossible to relate to on any fungible level ⏤ I would think that anyone would have to be well versed and saturated in archaic knowledge and experience to have any indication for its implications in the world now.

I personally think the environment would have been too obscure to identify retrospectively with in the first place ⏤ all this circumspection about what could have or might have been.

I think it's good as I've said as an arbitrating authority on abstractions and mysteries or legends or myths.

What is really important it seems to me is how this turns out for the reader ⏤ that is is it fungible. It is nearly impossible to identify with the character of Jesus Christ or his prospective wife Mary Magdalene.

I'm going to give the book four stars because of the intensiveness and thoroughness and integrity of
the author's investigation into the subject ⏤ and the quality of the book.

[Alex Briggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don’t you love it when you have 4 in a line and I whisper something to the next and so one down the train until person 4. What I started with was even close to what was record at #4.
That is the the Roman Catholic empire treated things but they stopped at 1 killed #3, and #4. So they could forge historic documents such as: last Will snd testaments, land contacts, or anything they could to gain more money or power but power is and always the ultimate with the Catholic religion. This was done the rightful heirs could not be king. They even knew the next in line was skiing away from the country and Rome told the procedure that he was dead.

I’ll don’t understand why so many people believe Jesus Mary? I would have a harder time believing if he didn’t. Anyone who gets angry at you trying to discuss this will all of sudden start sparring off scripture that has nothing to do with it. “Faith” is why? Hahaha. One of the biggest concerns of life and we don’t have an example? But, I noticed the more rational and logical I got the madder he become.


Read this.

[Jodie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed the book, particularly the first quarter/half which is very illuminating regarding cultural, religious and social practices of Jesus' time and before. Would certainly recommend if only for this.

I agree to an extent with other reviews here, the author's connection to the Stuart House is apparent towards the end of the book (which in and of itself is not problematic and does not compromise the value of historical accounts of the Royal line). This does begin to overshadow the actual focus on the grail.

Nevertheless, I found this section interesting nonetheless (being from the UK myself) and so it didn't negate from the reading experience- in fact it added to it as I enjoy reading about my own history.

What must be remembered is that most of biblical history involves speculation and interpretation, so when reading such books we must take the facts for ourselves and consider the authors personal view as exactly that.

[Maria Calokerinos · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy read . An interesting theory but not sure if it valid. A genealogy that terminates in the House of Stuart. Jesus married to Mary Magdalene, has a sons and produces a blood line to the House of Stuart. It goes on to say that house of Stuart did not expire but exist to this day. This book makes an makes storybook using historical facts and fables to fabricate an amazing argument that the Crown of England goes back to the Line of David through Jesus Christ himself. This book that wants to rewrite history . Note Gardner did hold the office of the Jacobite Historiographer Royal of the Royal House of Stewart.

[Halla Hadda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is richly loaded. For anyone who is interested in the link between European Monarchies and the Davidic House of Israel, this book is very highly recommended. The historicity of Jesus and its links to the Roman Catholic Church is told in a spell binding manner. The History of Scotland, England, France and their connection with Egypt, the Essene Jews and the Hebrews as well to the Arthurian Grail Message are told in a manner that explains linkages to so many folklores and legend, I have read it several times over and I doubt that one can get tired of reading this book.

[Signor Amleto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Un capolavoro. L’autore analizza con analisi di una lunga ricerca la vita di Gesù cristo svelando la vera storia, le tradizioni e la stirpe. Per molti è un libro che può creare irritazione e scandalo. Per credere nella religione cattolico cristiana non è necessario credere ai racconti inventati di alcuni frati del Medioevo. Il libro non sminuisce Gesù ma anzi gli fa acquistare una sembianza più umana ed autorevole. Ovviamente i miracoli fanno parte dei racconti necessari alla mitologia ma oggi possiamo anche farne a meno e quindi non ci deve dare fastidio scoprire che erano invenzioni.

[Debi Emerson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! Though a bit dry in spots, and it can be a bit confusing when so many people are known by multiple names. It discusses in depth many things I've thought, believed and/or questioned for a long time. Well worth the read.

[Charlotte Wenner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellently researched, but a tad heavy on lineage and too little historical context. Still, a mist read for anyone interested in the power struggle between the powers supporting elevation of individual potential and sovereinty and those intent upon subjugation.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

So much historical history here. Too bad we didn't learn it in our history classes...

[John Steele · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book proved useful to me with the amount of unknown facts it contained. Certainly a thought provoking read.

[mark gregory]

Interesting so called historical version of Jesus and his supposed bloodline. It can be quite dry and hard to follow at times, however, it’s quite thought provoking.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most fascinating book I’ve ever read.
This is the second time I’ve read it. Last read it 15 years ago in 2006.

[Thiago Bressane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ótimo lindo livro

[Anastasia Alén · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well researched and well written. I've been to Scotland and to Roslyn Chapel so this was a fascinating read.

[giuliana !! · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

[Ernesto López · Rating 5 out of 5]

La curiosidad está en la portada, dónde la editorial le coloca un sello: "Mitos Bolsillo". Curioso. Pues cada capitulo, tiene referencias bibliográficas.

Cada quien decide creer.

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

a wonderful read.examaine the gnostic gospels,the dead sea scrolls,the lost gospels of mary magdelgne,and st. thomas. found in 1947.also examines the different papal papers,and toran doctrine dated back to before the first christian movement.from king david to mary and joesph of arametha.explains with great detail,and royal doctrines,the pedegree of mary magedelgne and jesus,explains the jewish marriage laws.and lends great credence to the possiblity that the roman church was formed on ommisions,and obloviated truths,it shows even the deciples mathew,mark ,luke and john,peter and paul coulnd't agree on their beliefs to christ divinity,to their eye witness acountings,and intrepretations of jejus's gospels.it also argues why the church would want to hide the bloodline.forcing both marys to seek protections from royal houses.how the first christian churchs were formed.and details linage trees that outline the bloodline.from jesus time to the 1800's secret masonic society.and was great help in verifing and clarifing my pedegree and lineage to the blood line.which also checked out thru ancestry.com world genelogy data bank.if you are still seeking answers to the mystery of christ,and his teachings, and the different church doctrines,the coruption o the papal seats of early roman church and popes.it traces the linage and the fisher kings,and the gurdians of the bloodline the knights templars thru the crusades. thru the caroligian,and frankish eras of rule,thru the first rulers of wales,ireland,england ,scottland,thruoghout europe,this will rock your world.a must read.written by englands and frances main historical author of the royal families.this is a book you will read again over and over from time to time,and learn something new each time.i came away with the belief that it mattered not to me if or if not jesus was the trinity,devine,if he was god,or gods vessel to speak thru.it did not matter to me the arguuement of his assention,it was about his teachings and his message.allowing me to not only keep my faith but to have strengthened my faith in our savior,and the lord.

[Amanda Mcdonald · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was not an easy read. There where a lot of facts and names thrown at you that made it hard to keep everyone straight. I found my self skipping a lot of sections because they where very dry and tedious to read. I felt that the beginning was interesting and then became very dull, only picking up in the section of King Arthur and toward the end. I did start keeping notes as there are several facts that I wished to check out. While I do not wish to dismiss everything this author was trying to say, he did seem to have quite a lot of sources that clearly shows a lot of research, the fact that he promoted the claims of Michael James Alexander Stewart, 7th Duke of Albany as the legitimate Jacobite claiment makes me sceptical about everything else in the book, as "Michael, Duke of Albany" as been discovered to be a complete fraud and is actually Michel Roger Lafosse.

Even though I didn't really like this book all that much I probably will give this author's other books a shot.

[Steve Werner · Rating 3 out of 5]

It might be a bit unfair for me to give this only three stars. The depth of research here is incredible, and I found parts of it incredibly fascinating and illuminating. However, I was baffled by the complete lack of information on the life of Jesus post-crucifixion. The author seems to agree with many of the theories presented in Holy Blood Holy Grail. He goes into great detail on the adult life of Jesus, along with the symbology of the Essenes and their rituals, and the culture of the messianic lines.

The book goes into very granular detail regarding the royal bloodlines of Europe. The research is outstanding, but personally I found a lot of this to be a slog. I was hoping for more of a big picture view that would give insight into the nature of Jesus's teachings and heritage, but the second half of the book had more to do with simply tracing lineages of houses and families.