Secret societies have been around since civilization began and come in many guises. They may be set up by selfish and criminal elements of society, whose object is to enrich and empower themselves at the expense of their fellow citizens; others are composed of high-minded idealists. Some are formed by revolutionary opponents of the established social order; while others might include respected members of the establishment and even ministers in the government. The only thing they have in common is their desire to keep their secrets. This text traces the essential features of what constitutes a secret society before dealing with the more important such set-ups in ancient and modern times, in the Middle East, in central and western Europe, and in Britain and the US.
- ISBN10 078671185X
- ISBN13 9780786711857
- Publish Date 1 June 2003
- Publish Status Cancelled
- Imprint Carroll & Graf Publishers
- Format Hardcover
- Pages 288
- Language English