Ancient Wisdom and Secret Sects

Mysteries of the Unknown

by Time-Life Books (Editor)

Another fine volume in this acclaimed Mysteries of the Unknown series, this volume studying the growth and activities of the many ancient sects, traditions, and societies which harbored secret knowledge and wisdom and passed same down through a system of carefully selected initiates and acolytes. Illustrated.

Genres: Paranormal, History, Nonfiction, Reference, Religion, Occult, Esoterica

176 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1989

Reviews

[P.S. Winn]

Is a secret knowledge passed down in sects through the ages? This is a good starting point to find an answer to that mysterious question. Such great info inside the covers of this beautiful book filled with an interesting look at what might be hidden inside those sects.

[Robert]

The chapters on Free Masonry and The Golden Dawn were pretty informative. I think my big takeaway about these sects was not so much that they are dark subcultures that secretly control the world, but rather, that well-to-do people will come up some really goofy extracurricular activities just to feel out of the ordinary (the 19th century equivalent of a polar plunge or costumed 4K fun-run). Oh, and Aleister Crowley was a big, pervy jerk.

[Erik Graff]

I picked up this and a couple of other volumes from Time-Life's Mysteries of the Unknown series at a used bookstore in Chicago somewhere and brought them with me to California to give to my host, Mike Miley, while I was visiting him in Sonoma. Like most Time-Life books, the principal concern seems to have been marketing. The coverage of the Rosicrucians, Masons, Golden Dawn etc. is shallow, but the pictures, when not stupid, are pretty enough.

[रबीन हान्सेन]

The first half was a pretty interesting introduction to the history of secret orders.
The last half is perhaps more interesting if you are interested in theosophism.

I only gave the book 3 stars, due to the fact that the book fails to identify a lot of rituals and traditions from Egyptian pagan worship, but credits them to the respective orders and groups described. Sometimes the book also just writes "this is complicated" and doesn't explain at all.

[Signor Mambrino]

A good intro on rosicrucians, masons, golden dawn and theosophical society. very nicely put together

[Little Timmy]

As usual another great Time-Life book. Excellent writing and well laid out chapters with tons of good pics. If you want to start learning about a new subject then this is very recommended