Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0983327947 ISBN 13: 9780983327943

Verlag: Santorini Books, 2012

This exploration of the remarkable people and influential activities of Freemasonry is truly stunning. It sheds considerable new light on how this brotherhood's practices, symbols and rituals took shape and affected the world around it. "Born in Blood" began this work before its author passed away in 1996. Now noted historian Sanford Holst has brought together many more discoveries that bring to life this society's quiet leaders and far-reaching influence. The roots of  Masonry are traced to Solomon's Temple, the rise of Christianity, and the Crusades. This society's relationships with stonemasons and the Knights Templar also take on new and significant meaning. We come to see how Masons were active in events that caused the fall of kings in Europe, the rise of democracy, and the Vatican's loss of its supreme position atop the Christian world. After this secretive society emerged into public view in 1717, it had a strong influence on George Washington, Benjamin Franklin and other Masons who helped create a new country in America. Those struggles are seen through the experiences of people who lived through these events -- often told in their own words and drawn from remarkable collections of records dating from those times. Masonry remains active around the world, and its influences are still felt in our lives today. Holst served as master of a Masonic research lodge, which allowed him to obtain access to manuscripts not normally seen by the public. Forty-five illustrations brighten this memorable journey of discovery.

About the Author:

Sanford Holst is the author of books that bring the ancient Mediterranean to life. He wrote Amazon's #1 book on the Phoenicians, and his latest work is an extraordinary exploration of the golden age of Greece. He also documented the connection between Solomon's Temple and the Knights Templar. His published research and talks at universities around the world resulted in his being elected to the prestigious Royal Historical Society. He has explored archives and historic sites all across the Mediterranean and benefited from the work of many local experts. His informative websites are read by more than half a million people each year.

Review:

"Thought-provoking, well researched and well written, the book presents information rather than strongly arguing for a point of view. In doing so, Holst builds a persuasive case. He has collected a great deal of information from numerous sources and provides a fine overview of events which forever changed the world."
-- Scottish Rite Journal

"A well-written and nicely illustrated book, easy to read, well researched, and highly recommended."
-- Knight Templar Magazine

"Sworn in Secret is a work of outstanding clarity, analytical style, and superb good sense."
-- Eduardo Estrada, PM