Conspiracies and Secret Societies: The Complete Dossier

by Brad Steiger, Sherry Steiger

Provides information on a variety of individuals, organizations, and events that are shrouded in mystery.

Genres: Conspiracy Theories, Nonfiction, History, Paranormal, Reference, Occult, Society

539 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Sally · Rating 2 out of 5]

A weird mix of UFO speculation, government cover-ups and "extreme right-wing" organizations. It's in alphabetical order instead of being organized by subject. I skipped over almost everything about the UFOs.

Although I finished it, two things didn't impress me.

1. There are no source notes. The Steigers can write whatever they want, but where are they getting their information from. A list of works cited at the end is useless if they aren't linked to specific passages.

2. "The much-maligned Weathermen [...] to their credit" only blew up buildings and didn't kill anyone. Wow. I don't care if warnings are given, as is indicated in this book, they still caused terror. Imagine getting that call that there's a bomb in your building and you have to get out. Imagine wondering if your place of employment was going to get that call one day. People lived in fear. Right-wing groups are all portrayed as evil, but anarchical groups such as the Weathermen are apparently good. I'm only stunned the Tea Party wasn't included in this book.

3. Why was the Catholic Church child abuse scandal in here? Yes, there was a cover-up, but we have facts and proof. Unlike over cover-ups in here.

In conclusion, I don't care much for conspiracy theories. I think I'll stick with the paranormal instead.

[Oscar Salgado · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book Conspiracies and Secret Societies:The Complete Dossier(second edition. book by Brad Steiger and Sherry Steiger. Talks about things that the people might not be ready to know the truth about, Or they just don't want us to know that information because it may be part of a great take over the world.

This book talks about some secret societies. For example it talks about the Freemasons or The New World Order. it also tells of some possible government cover ups like the extraterrestrials,spying,and black helicopters ( is people in non mark helicopters that follow people around and some times the people that they follow disappear). It also talks about some of the U.S. Presidents, Science mysteries (weather control, west Nile virus,and genetic manipulation).

This book is good for people that like to read about this stuff.This book was wreathing by professional reporters and investigators who did some deep research to find some of the truths. They also talked to some people were there and people that used to work for some agencies like : FBI,CIA,etc. All these people they have interview claim that the stuff they say is the truth and facts only.

This book is one of my favorite book because it really makes you think about some stuff in this world ans also makes you thin out side of the box.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thorough history and examination of various conspiracies, secret societies, cults, etc. Listed alphabetically, each topic covers various tidbits in a way that gives each item its own billing, as opposed to lumping them into categories. I actually found this organization much easier to digest, since the topics and dates don't get all jumbled together, especially when trying to digest or discuss after reading.

It's a great resource, however the book is huge in its variety of subjects. Some items are quite brief, only a few paragraphs, while others stretch on page after page.

If any of Jesse Ventura's TV shows or books have piqued your interest, you will probably LOVE this book. Many subjects he's "investigated" make it into this collection and are just as interesting here as they were via Jesse and his team.

This is one book to keep and refer back to often, especially as news and theories are ever evolving. Great book!

[Paula Heyntsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book to be very intriguing and surprising.So many secrets the government keeps from the common people. The government who has a few who think they are the elite and can make decisions for us and the world without their knowledge.Wanting to desecrate the sacredness of the United States. Depopulate the world, and many more very scary conceptions of what the world should be like. It is a fact, to me, they have gone too far.
This book is a must read! It will surprise and disquiet you. I know this book will make you want to be more aware of whats going on around you.
This book opened my eyes!

[Isidore · Rating 2 out of 5]

"Conspiracists say. . ." "Researchers say. . . " "Theorists claim. . ." Because the Steigers usually fail to identify their sources of information, it's impossible to assess fairly most of the theories set forth in this book. We often don't know if the theory is the product of decades of research by an academic, or something the Steigers heard at the corner bar. The Steigers are also guilty of combining separate theories espoused by different people into one, in effect creating a brand-new conspiracy theory all their own.

Given these fundamental problems, the book can only be recommended for purposes of entertainment.

[A.R. Fiano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good work! I have read many conspiracy books, good and "out there," and this is great compendium, much like Vankin and Whalen's 80 Greatest Conspiracies. It has reasonable detail on well-known and lesser-known conspiracies and societies, is well-written with a nice bibliography. The tone is even-handed, which is an extra-plus. If you're willing to engage in critical thinking about the topics, or just want to enjoy learning about the topics, this will provide several hours of good reading.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Goodreads does not want me to review this book, two reviews have been gobbled up. Very briefly, its ok and that's it. Some interesting, some boring, some misinformation and lack of fact checking. The A to Z reference style is annoying, not a cover to cover read at all. More like a dictionary of wacky stuff to be taken at face value only. Looks more interesting than it is. Meh.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good primer. It is definitely a good starting point towards which conspiracies/ secret societies you would like to further explore.

[Carol Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

very informative. covers just about any conspiracy or society you might have heard of [as well as some you haven't]. Good read and must have if you're into this kind of stuff.

[Melissa L · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked the book. I had heard of some of the things mentioned, and enjoyed reading about the others.

[Karen]

Curious City Podcast - http://interactive.wbez.org/curiousci...

[EarthBull · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now this is a really complete modern conspiracy book that discusses factual groups that may or may not be talked about in the mainstream and covers a wide range of strange cases and conspiracy topics. It's really jam packed with interesting non biased information. It's really a must have for those who are into strange historical fact. It comes off more like a world events and historical book. The authors did their best not to have any bias towards any cases in the book. I am not even finished with the book, already like the format and ease of reading. This book is a keeper.

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This probably might be the ultimate compendium of conspiracy theories and mysteries: Aids, Area 51, Bible Code, Black Sun, Face on Mars, Ghost Dance, Hollow Earth, assassination of famous persons, Marilyn Monroe, Philadelphia Experiment, Roswell, Sphinx, Voodoo, Vril, Wicca, X-Files... and many more. This was only the tip of the iceberg. You name the secret or hearsay mystery and read about it. Together with many photos your way into every kind of conspiracy. Be warned your view on many things could change. Highly recommended!

[Justin Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Needs updated material added

[Eileen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did not read all of this but what I did was amusing. Especially the UFO from the 1800s sited in Wesley iowa

[Owen]

Conspiracies and Secret Societies is exactly what it sounds like. It very much is written in a way reminiscent of the tin foil hat wearing weirdos that you would expect to write a book about conspiracy theories. However, with that being said, i do belive this book presents its "facts" in a very serious way that almost convinces you to trust what the author says. If conspiracies do interest you and you would like to do further research i think this book in a great place to start. The book also includes half reliable resources that may not exactly back up statements written by steiger. So take everything written with a grain of salt

[Joshua Friesen · Rating 4 out of 5]

wonderful read: It calmly and rationally explains the sort of urban myths and conspiracy theories that we all hear dribs and drabs about, but of which few of us really know the details? In a straightforward manner present evidence for a theory An always entertaining, sometimes funny, occasionally disturbing reference book.

[Dustin]

more of an Encyclopedia

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love to delve into the various conspiracy theories and this one has a little bit (and sometimes a great deal) of information about all of them!

[Rick Staten · Rating 3 out of 5]

lists about every conspiracy i can think of, kind of fun to read

[Marissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was kind of dull. I thought it would be exciting. I couldn't make myself finish.

[David Stutz]

Another great book!

[Robert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great source material. And soooo funny to read.

[Jim Paquette · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good reference book.

[Aaron · Rating 4 out of 5]

very intriguing information, to say the least!

[Joseph Schlag · Rating 4 out of 5]

fun!

[Amy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Flipped through it to read what I found most interesting. Too many typos for my liking.

[Veronica F · Rating 2 out of 5]

I started off reading every story and then realized I didn't care about the majority of them. The book just seemed to drag on and on.

[Iiana Garcia · Rating 3 out of 5]

How do u read the book???

[John · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not impressed.