Status
Available
Call number
Collection
Publication
Citadel Press (2000), 256 pages
Description
Almost every social system throughout history has produced its secret societies. Here is a unique study of such societies from earliest recorded times to the present, along with an analysis of their forms, rituals, and beliefs. The author has traveled extensively to gather documentation. The Charcoal Burners of Italy, the Castrators of Russia, the Old Man of the Mountains, and the Gnostics are but a few of the many described.
User reviews
LibraryThing member krisiti
More a study of religion than societies, I think; most were really more what I would call mystery cults. And not terribly secret, most of them I found the Sufi and the followers of the Peacock Angel the most interesting. I could imagine joining them.In the chapter on witchcraft I started wondering,
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though. He complained that other researchers of the phenomenon picked and chose what evidence to base their conclusions on, then went ahead and did the same thing. "Disregarding, this, this and this, we can see that what really happened was in accordance with my own pet theory..."Why do so few scholars properly cite their material? Show Less
Subjects
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
1961
Physical description
256 p.; 6.08 inches
ISBN
0806508574 / 9780806508573
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