The Illustrated Bloodline of the Holy Grail

by Laurence Gardner

The Illustrated Bloodline of the Holy The Hidden Lineage of Jesus Reveale

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Religion, Conspiracy Theories, Ancient History

256 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2000

About the author

Laurence Gardner was a prominent author and speaker in the alternative history genre of research and writing.
--from the author's website

Reviews

[Ginny · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very dry reading. Half of it is written story, and half is footnotes and historical lineage charts. Am literally reading with the book in one hand and the bible in the other! That being said, it is a facinating account of the history, not just of the Holy Land but of Europe and the rest of the world through the time of Jesus and for several centuries afterwards. It explains some of the held beliefs and customs at the time of Jesus, and does speculate though does not dwell very longon whether Mary the Magdelline may have actually been married to him and borne children or not. It does however follow her after the 'death' of Jesus into what would have been France at the time. Yes, shades of 'The DaVinci Code",and am sure some of that fiction was based on the research from this book and the many others quoted in the footnotes. More learned minds than mine have researched these facts.

The book even more so, is about the lineage of Jesus, and follows the footsteps of Joseph of Aramathea, who is actually thought to be James, Jesus' brother. The Bible itself speculates Joseph of Aramathea to be brother of Mary, and Jesus' uncle, but historical documents show him to be son of Mary, and younger brother to Jesus (and yes, even in the bible Jesus did have siblings(Matthew 13:55 mentions brethren James, Joses,Simon, and Judas, Matthew 13:56 and Mark 6:3 mention sisters, and Luke 2:7 and Matthew 1:25 cite Jesus as "firstborn son". This book basically follows Joseph of Aramathea through Europe into Great Britain, and follows his bloodline down through many centuries.

This book opens up a whole debate on biblical accuracy, whether to take the bible literally as Word of God, or as "inspired" by the Word of God but "written" by man, and therfore subject to the beliefs and influences at the time of the writing. According to the history, there may also be debate whether some facts were meant to be literal, or figurative so that only the "true believers' of the time might have access and knowledge of Jesus' teachings, but it would be hidden from the non believers. Irregardless, I found this to be well researched and documented. I feel it gave me some insight into what life was like at the time of Jesus, and a greater respect for Jesus, who was not only Son of God, but son of man too. It speaks to me more that this "man" , who truly stood up to the teachers and some of the beliefs of his time, would still influence this world these centuries later. I actually enjoy the speculation that through Jesus' brother, his family bloodline may have continued (whether or not it still continues today).

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

well, whether this book is fiction or nonfiction is debatable, depending on your beliefs... it is based on the premise that jesus christ and mary magdalene were husband and wife... and traces their bloodline through history, to today... i don't know if this is the first novel ever to state that the Merovingian Dynasty of France were Christ's descendants, but it's not the ONLY book i've read that says that... it's very well written and well researched, or so it seems... again, believing what's written is based on faith... for me, i just found it fascinating...

[William · Rating 4 out of 5]

Speculative. In French Sang Raal, or Royal Blood, also spells San Graal, Holy Grail. Perhaps the interpretation is true, or perhaps not.

[Alejandro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sangreal means container or vessel of blood. Therefore a person who carries the blood of the Davidic line is the Grail. A woman mostly since lineages are tradiotionally followed through the matriarch. No supernatural powers just mistranslations that when merely put to Hebrew or Traditional explanation they make sence. I love how folk love to hear the "Davinci Code as a work of fiction" for sentimental reasurance. The rest of illiterate America denies the subject of Jesus's lineage as a underground subject matter since the first Universities were founded on this continent.

[J. Bryce · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too silly to finish.

This book expects the reader to know, understand, and accept a lot of esoteric notions about biblical translation, religious heirarchy, and ancient Middle Eastern customs that not many people have. The background reading (and/or education) it would take to accept the author's conclusions are probably not possible without a healthy dose of incredulity and maybe a tinge of insanity.

But if you liked the conspiracies of Dan Brown's DaVinci Code, and can fake your way through the rest, this may be entertaining.

[JudyG]

Interesting whether its true or not remains to be seen doesn't it ?

[Deborah]

WONDERFUL BOOK.SO ENLIGHTENING.A MUST READ FOR THOSE STILL SEEKING.i used as source reference to cross check my linage research thru ancestries.and they matched.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Da Vinci code is for amateurs. This is the real deal!

[Paul Van Lit]

Great book