Sworn in Secret: Freemasonry and the Knights Templar Kindle Edition

Sanford Holst has really made an admirable name for himself as an historian in recent years, and this is one of his greatest contributions. The book uses solid academic rigor capitalizing on the author's unusual access to source documents, interviews, and personal experience to drive beyond orthodox History of the Knights Templar and Freemasonry; examining many of the legends, myths, and hypotheses of the common threads of both organizations. Holst's work herein is surprisingly unbiased in its conclusions, which usually take the form of possibilities and probabilities instead of staking claims based on inconclusive evidence by merely parsing the evidence down to that which supports one's preconceived notions. As such, it is an masterfully enlightened (and enlightening) treatment of many of Ancient and Medieval History's most interesting questions.I would characterize this book as authoritative, but not orthodox, history. This enhances its intellectual value and makes it far more interesting to read than an orthodox volume such as Barber's The New Knighthood.

If you have read Born in Blood by John J. Robinson, then this is the book is for you. Holst brings you deeper into the mysteries of the Knights Templar and the Freemasons. This book takes you back to a time before Solomon's Temple was constructed and delves into the ancient masons who made it all possible. Learn about the beginning of the crusades as well as the forming of the Knight's Templar and their crucial role in the world at the time. Whether you're a Mason, history buff, or conspiracy junky, this is your book.

This is the best book about the history of Freemasonry that I have ever read. That is because most books I've seen that delved into the history of Freemasonry have been written by people who were simply Freemasons. This book is written by someone who is both a Freemason and a historian, and it shows in his reasoning and in the depth of detail about the Knights Templar and the times in which they lived that you just can't get from Masonic writers such as Pike and Mackey. They are good, but Holst is more modern and has a more readable writing style than they, along with his wealth of research.Holst makes, to my mind, a very good argument for there to be a connection between the Knights Templar and Freemasonry, and it is consistent with what I already know about linguistics and life in the medieval era. It is also not the typical argument that I've seen. This book is well worth reading

Very good read opens many doors to the meanings and symbology of Freemasons and the their links to the Templar’s

I liked the book very much. I've been involved in the masonic world for many decades, starting with my father and his associates.I think many people have incorrect notions about what and who the masons are.Anyone who is interested in the deeper cultures of the middle ages will enjoy this book...and perhaps learn more of the world's history.

A complete historical, mystical, suspense filled treasure - and a genuine peek behind the curtain to one of the most mysterious organizations on earth. If you've always wondered about the Knights Templar, the Masons, and Freemasonry, this is the definitive book. Enjoy!

Being one who has asked questions, often with very poor answers given in response; I can truly say what a pleasure it is to have so many questions answered so easily and well. I have been drawn into the history, and the times, of the events spoken of, and it seems like every time a question begins to form in my mind, it is answered as I read on in the next several paragraphs. The writing is clear, concise, and amazingly researched.The author, Sanford Holst, is to be commended for a work excellently done, and I can only hope that his next project is done as well as this. A must read for those interested in the Knights Templar.Jim Laage

I found the first half of the book more enjoyable than the second half - I thought the second half got bogged down in a bunch of stuff that I found less interesting. The early part dealt with the formation of the Templars and their success up until King Phillip of France outlawed the Templars so he could confiscate their wealth to help solve his own financial problems.

If you have any interest in the Knights Templar and Freemasonry connection, then this book is for you.It looks in great depth on various links and has clearly been exceptionally well reaerched. In do doing so it debunks some old myths, but opens up considerable new ones.I thought I knew a lot on this subject, but I have learned much from this book, which weaves so manycstrands of research together to draw realistic and convincing conclusions.I literally couldn't put it down...

This book shows how very well intended people long ago started a movement to help society. Eventually when something is too good the dark side of human nature takes hold to benefit of it for their own interests. This book gives the reader the factual honest information - a book for those who want to know why the financial, political and religious universes can corrupt anything of value.

I have read both of his books on the Templars which are well written with scholarly research and well documented.Unfortunately you only need to read one of his books as they cover the same material in different orders.I perfered Templar inferno as it was shorter but contained the same information.I look forward to reading his book on the Phonecians and how they affected history, as this is a weak area in my education.He has interesting documentation on the Templars and Masons but oviously more documentation is needed.Enjoyed and well worth the cost

I absolutely cannot put this book down. It is filled with accurate information which is not always the case. I definitely recommend this book for anyone interested in the early days of Freemasonry.

I highly recommend this book to all masons.