Secrets of the Lost Symbol: The Unauthorized Guide to Secret Societies, Hidden Symbols & Mysticism

by John Michael Greer

Secrets of the Lost Symbol is an essential resource for Dan Brown fans who want to know the facts behind the fiction.

From Abramelin the Mage to the Zohar, this encyclopedic unofficial companion guide to The Lost Symbol uncovers the forgotten histories of arcane traditions that have shaped—and still inhabit—our modern world.

Discover the truth about Freemasonry—a major theme in Brown's best-selling novel—including its rituals, temples, and infamous members such as the legendary Albert Pike. Get the real story behind the Rosicrucians, the Temple of Solomon, and ancient occult rites.

Genres: Occult, Nonfiction, History

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 8, 2010

About the author

John Michael Greer is an author of over thirty books and the blogger behind The Archdruid Report. He served as Grand Archdruid of the Ancient Order of Druids in America. His work addresses a range of subjects, including climate change, peak oil, the future of industrial society, and the occult. He also writes science fiction and fantasy. He lives in Rhode Island with his wife.

Reviews

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

When people write that the writing is very dry what they really mean is that they're not really interested in the topic. I had a strict deadline and yet I found myself getting back to the book every time I had a chance and sometimes even when I should had been working. And I re-read some entries because it turns out that astrology is a very complicated subject.
There are two things I didn't like about the book. First, it was very short or rather I didn't want it to end, don't forget that it's an encyclopedia. But my main problem was that there's another book The Element Encyclopedia of Secret Societies and Hidden History: The Ultimate A-Z of Ancient Mysteries, Lost Civilizations and Forgotten Wisdom that covers pretty much the same topics, and goes into more details on some of them and, most importantly, twice as cheap (kindle edition).

[Jeanette Eriksson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recommending this one, read in it once in a while, after read it from page one til end.
Coel´d have been dobble pages @ least, there is mch more deeper facts/ info ot there.....
maybe he come ot with a thick lovely deep book...=)

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book cover to cover because I borrowed it and have to give it back. Normally this would be a reference book to be used like a dictionary or encyclopedia. There is a lot of information packed into its 229 pages. The book was written as a supplement to Dan Brown's book, The Lost Symbol. But it is so much more. Brown's book is fiction but Secrets of the Lost Symbol: The Unauthorized Guide to Secret Societies, Hidden Symbols & Mysticism tells us about the real secret societies, hidden symbols and mysticism. Some passages I had to read more than once and in some cases more than once. I took notes. If you have an interest in the occult this would be a great book to have on your shelf.

[Hilary · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've read encyclopedia-type books that were meant to accompany other books before, but none quite as dry as this one. Maybe it was just a topic that I'm not as interested in. Regardless, I probably wouldn't recommend it.

[Joanne · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very very dry reading, not too much new information, and some of the 'new information' is highly questionable. If you are a fan of this subject, I'm sure you can find a better read.