Bloodline of the Holy Grail: The Hidden Lineage of Jesus Revealed

by Laurence Gardner

From royal and suppressed archives comes documented proof of the heritage of Jesus in the West and the long awaited discovery of the Holy Grail. In fulfilling this time-honored quest, penetrating new light is cast upon the Grail Code of Service and the venerated feminine element, upheld in chivalry but forsaken by the Church in order to forge a male dominated society.This unique work offers revelatory insight concerning the descendant heirs of Jesus and his brother James while, in documenting a hidden legacy of the Messiah, it unveils hitherto guarded facts about characters such as Mary Magdalene and Joseph of Arimathea. Tracing the sacred lineage through centuries of persecution and Inquisition, Bloodline of the Holy Grail reveals a systematic suppression of authentic records and a strategic manipulation of the New Testament Gospels.

Featuring all the charm and adventure of Arthurial romance, coupled with enthralling Rosicrucian and Templar disclosures, this extraordinary work has a cutting edge of intrigue that removes the established blanket of enigma to expose one of the greatest conspiracies ever told.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Religion, Conspiracy Theories, Christianity, Historical, Spirituality

464 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1996

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

[David Dom · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this a very interesting book to read and would recommend it to others. It tells so much more then just the Jesus lineage, because you also learn in which surroundings Christianity was born, and how to interpret the Bible's fantastic stories with every-day Jewish tradition and symbolism. You learn how the apostles Paul and Peter abused the teachings of Christ just to draw more power themselves and create the power-hungry Catholic Church of Rome which contradicts all the basic teachings of Jesus but still prevails to this day. Sometimes I do wonder where the author does get his evidence from, from time to time it's obscure, and sometimes its based on theories that are generally not considered valid, but until they are proven to be invalid they should never be dismissed out of hand (as happens too often by historians nowadays). All in all, the book gives you something worth thinking about, and I do recommend it to anyone interested in the subject!

[Debbi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bloodline of the Holy Grail has something in common with a really good mystery: its true purpose is revealed only in the last few pages, even though a very clear clue appears at the beginning. Bloodline features a glowing forward written by one "HRH Prince Michael of Albany Head of the Royal House of Stewart." It describes the book as having "incredible insight," and as "a remarkable achievement in the field of genealogical research." The forward admits that "rare is the historian acquainted with such compelling facts as are gathered in this work." Six pages from the end of the book, Laurence Gardner reveals that "foremost" in the living descendants of the Bloodline of Jesus of Nazareth and Mary Magdalene is the "present 7th count of Albany: Prince Michel James Alexander Stewart, Duc d'Aquitaine, Comte de Blois, Head of the Sacred Kindred of St. Columba, Knight Grand Commander of the Order of the Temple of Jerusalem, Patron Grand officer of the International Society of Commission Officers for the Commonwealth and President of the European Council of Princes." This book is by way of being an apology for the claims of Michael of Albany as the true heir to the throne of England, at the very least, and perhaps France and much of Europe as well. Maybe even to the House of Israel.

Like any good conspiracy theorist, Gardner claims to have certain knowledge unavailable to the general public, alludes to documents that have been hidden by the authorities, and promises that these truths and documents will be brought out when the time is right. Much like Dana Fuller Ross, who wrote a series of books wherein her fictional family and its descendant lines experienced every major event in American history through the turn of the 20th century and had dealings with every prominent politician and celebrity as a means of weaving an epic historical fiction; Laurence Gardner weaves both historic events and documented genealogies with myth, legend, and outright fiction to produce connections for virtually everything that ever happened in Europe and Britain between 4BC and 1996AD. He has created an imaginative set of offices, titles and rites within the Judaic temple and political cultures to explain away the events portrayed in the New Testament Gospels; given even more credence to the idea of manipulation of creed, doctrine, politics and religion by the Catholic church than even the early Protestants did. While the super-natural and extra-natural events described in the New Testament may be difficult for many to accept, they pale in imaginative creativity to Gardner's theories.

I have never had a problem with the idea of Jesus having been married, and if he was, Mary of Magdala is as good a candidate for his spouse as anyone. I have no problem with the idea that he could have fathered a child, or even that Mary and that child could have escaped Roman persecution by fleeing to France. There is, after all, no verifiable documentation either way: that it did or did not happen. It makes for interesting speculation and thought. Being a husband and father would in no way have prevented nor precluded Jesus from being the Son of God and atoning for the sins of mankind, offering them a way to reconcile with and return to the Father. However the point is there is NO verifiable documentation.

Genealogical and historical research are about verifiable documentation. Not about what can be "read into" or "surmised from" writings that are either presented as being in "code" (as Gardner claims the New Testament to be) or purported to be hidden or previously destroyed by a malicious political or religious entity (as Gardner accuses both the Catholic Church and the British government of doing.)

The beginning of the book provided me with a number of "laugh out loud" moments as I read through Gardner's elaborate "explanations" of the Grail Code hidden in the language of the New Testament. The middle of the book required a few second readings of various passages to convince myself he really had made such leaps of genealogical and historical fancy. The last pages were simply sad as I realized that poor Micheal of Albany is never going to realize his dreams of recognition--particularly not based on the "evidence" presented here.

[Catriona333 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this about 1999 & it was my introduction to the Jesus was married to Mary Magdalene theory. That Christ, King David, King Arthur were all truly related according to this British Royal genealogist got my attention & my daughter's. I haven't read Holy Blood, Holy Grail the book that introduced most folk to the idea of Jesus & Mary with a child.

[Tami · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and I will be using it in my research for many years to come.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

From what I can see, this book is as close to accurate one can get concerning ancient history. Beginning near the time of King David of Israel/Judah and continuing to near the present. Very interesting genealogical history of the line of Jesus and brother James. Well worth reading. You will not see the kings and queens of Europe quite the same.

[Ann444 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting, held my attention, but Sir Laurence would like us to believe that European royalty descended from Jesus and Mary Magdalene. What's the point? Even if they did, what examples of people who didn't live up to their heritage.

[Joe Wisniewski · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the first quart of the book. I gained some insights that I wasn't aware of in terms of the early days in the lives of the apostles, the political landscape of the Jewish society/culture.

However, it became clear that the author was going to take an approach as tunnel-visioned as Bible literalists; in this case, NOTHING in the Bible was to be taken literally. I can understand the concept of symbolism and can even appreciate that in some cases, "symbolic" or hiddem messages were embedded within the gospels. The author goes quite overboard in this regard in terms of looking for hidden messages everywhere (and without much meaningful documentation.)

I could have tolerated that until it was clear that this was going down the old route of the "Jesus didn't really die" story thus denying the only real issue that defines the "Christ"; that being the Atonement. Without that, this is entirely academic and barely interesting geneology story.

[Lise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting and informative

[Wysteria Campion · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is just heresy.

[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).

[Wilmar Taal · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is a school example of bad research. Really, really, really bad research... although it is pleasantly written, but so is Harry Potter... which was better researched than this.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The theme of Jesus’ lineage has been a hot topic during the last decade, and Gardner only offers a few original morsels. I found Chapters 3-8 the most enjoyable, as they deal with Jesus’ birth, life and ministry. Gardener references many obscure texts to justify his interpretation of the events which creates an interesting alternate theory. Later in the book, the pages were often bogged down with genealogical language that made me feel as if I was reading the “begats” in the Bible. There was a lot of superfluous embellishment of the Arthurian legend that seemed disconnected. I did enjoy the history of Roman Catholicism, but the final third of the book was tedious. While I love a good conspiracy theory, this particular book didn’t keep me engaged throughout.

[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...

[John Taylor Pullen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This seemed more and more frustrating to me over time as I became more and more familiar with his work ⏤ it's obscured in the sense that it's nearly impossible to relate to on any fungible level ⏤ I would think that anyone would have to be well versed and saturated in archaic knowledge and experience to have any indication for its implications in the world now.

I personally think the environment would have been too obscure to identify retrospectively with in the first place ⏤ all this circumspection about what could have or might have been.

I think it's good as I've said as an arbitrating authority on abstractions and mysteries or legends or myths.

What is really important it seems to me is how this turns out for the reader ⏤ that is is it fungible. It is nearly impossible to identify with the character of Jesus Christ or his prospective wife Mary Magdalene.

I'm going to give the book four stars because of the intensiveness and thoroughness and integrity of
the author's investigation into the subject ⏤ and the quality of the book.

[Alex Briggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don’t you love it when you have 4 in a line and I whisper something to the next and so one down the train until person 4. What I started with was even close to what was record at #4.
That is the the Roman Catholic empire treated things but they stopped at 1 killed #3, and #4. So they could forge historic documents such as: last Will snd testaments, land contacts, or anything they could to gain more money or power but power is and always the ultimate with the Catholic religion. This was done the rightful heirs could not be king. They even knew the next in line was skiing away from the country and Rome told the procedure that he was dead.

I’ll don’t understand why so many people believe Jesus Mary? I would have a harder time believing if he didn’t. Anyone who gets angry at you trying to discuss this will all of sudden start sparring off scripture that has nothing to do with it. “Faith” is why? Hahaha. One of the biggest concerns of life and we don’t have an example? But, I noticed the more rational and logical I got the madder he become.


Read this.

[Jodie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed the book, particularly the first quarter/half which is very illuminating regarding cultural, religious and social practices of Jesus' time and before. Would certainly recommend if only for this.

I agree to an extent with other reviews here, the author's connection to the Stuart House is apparent towards the end of the book (which in and of itself is not problematic and does not compromise the value of historical accounts of the Royal line). This does begin to overshadow the actual focus on the grail.

Nevertheless, I found this section interesting nonetheless (being from the UK myself) and so it didn't negate from the reading experience- in fact it added to it as I enjoy reading about my own history.

What must be remembered is that most of biblical history involves speculation and interpretation, so when reading such books we must take the facts for ourselves and consider the authors personal view as exactly that.

[Maria Calokerinos · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy read . An interesting theory but not sure if it valid. A genealogy that terminates in the House of Stuart. Jesus married to Mary Magdalene, has a sons and produces a blood line to the House of Stuart. It goes on to say that house of Stuart did not expire but exist to this day. This book makes an makes storybook using historical facts and fables to fabricate an amazing argument that the Crown of England goes back to the Line of David through Jesus Christ himself. This book that wants to rewrite history . Note Gardner did hold the office of the Jacobite Historiographer Royal of the Royal House of Stewart.

[Halla Hadda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is richly loaded. For anyone who is interested in the link between European Monarchies and the Davidic House of Israel, this book is very highly recommended. The historicity of Jesus and its links to the Roman Catholic Church is told in a spell binding manner. The History of Scotland, England, France and their connection with Egypt, the Essene Jews and the Hebrews as well to the Arthurian Grail Message are told in a manner that explains linkages to so many folklores and legend, I have read it several times over and I doubt that one can get tired of reading this book.

[Signor Amleto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Un capolavoro. L’autore analizza con analisi di una lunga ricerca la vita di Gesù cristo svelando la vera storia, le tradizioni e la stirpe. Per molti è un libro che può creare irritazione e scandalo. Per credere nella religione cattolico cristiana non è necessario credere ai racconti inventati di alcuni frati del Medioevo. Il libro non sminuisce Gesù ma anzi gli fa acquistare una sembianza più umana ed autorevole. Ovviamente i miracoli fanno parte dei racconti necessari alla mitologia ma oggi possiamo anche farne a meno e quindi non ci deve dare fastidio scoprire che erano invenzioni.

[Debi Emerson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! Though a bit dry in spots, and it can be a bit confusing when so many people are known by multiple names. It discusses in depth many things I've thought, believed and/or questioned for a long time. Well worth the read.

[Charlotte Wenner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellently researched, but a tad heavy on lineage and too little historical context. Still, a mist read for anyone interested in the power struggle between the powers supporting elevation of individual potential and sovereinty and those intent upon subjugation.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

So much historical history here. Too bad we didn't learn it in our history classes...

[John Steele · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book proved useful to me with the amount of unknown facts it contained. Certainly a thought provoking read.

[mark gregory]

Interesting so called historical version of Jesus and his supposed bloodline. It can be quite dry and hard to follow at times, however, it’s quite thought provoking.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most fascinating book I’ve ever read.
This is the second time I’ve read it. Last read it 15 years ago in 2006.

[Thiago Bressane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ótimo lindo livro

[Anastasia Alén · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well researched and well written. I've been to Scotland and to Roslyn Chapel so this was a fascinating read.

[giuliana !! · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

[Ernesto López · Rating 5 out of 5]

La curiosidad está en la portada, dónde la editorial le coloca un sello: "Mitos Bolsillo". Curioso. Pues cada capitulo, tiene referencias bibliográficas.

Cada quien decide creer.

[Klaas Dijkstra · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too complex and hard to follow and believe