The Secret Societies Bible

In this compact, colorful volume, Levy (Ninja: The Shadow Warrior) presents an essentially chronological overview of many secret societies, ranging from Greek mystery religions to more recent groups who believe that a new world order is coming. Along the way, he does not neglect the Knights Templar, Freemasons, Rosicrucians, and the Bavarian Illuminati—or the interconnections between some of these groups. Levy debunks claims by or about some societies, paying particular attention to societies of conspiracy theorists. Like many Firefly books, this is lavishly illustrated, but the subtitle is inaccurate. The book is not definitive: it is almost completely Eurocentric, devoting only six pages to the Triads and a few more to the Assassins. Readers will find no mention of African, Caribbean, or Native American religious secret societies or discussion of terrorist groups or criminal organizations apart from the Mafia and Triads. There are no notes to support the text, and some chapters end so abruptly it seems a page is missing.