BOOK REVIEW - Secrets of the Lost Symbol
Mike
Worldwide ISBN: 978-0-7387-2169-9 229 pages Paperback $9.95(U.S.)
$11.50 (Canada)
Have you read Dan Brown’s The Lost Symbol? Have you found yourself
wondering “Where did I hear about ______ before?” Have you found
yourself pondering over many a dusty volume in your library “Was this
the book?” Truthfully, I have to answer “No” to all the above
questions, but that doesn’t decrease the value of this small volume.
It is packed with occult (hidden) facts and esotericism which will be
of value to many readers who have not dedicated their lives to the
absorption of such items. The dedicated occultist can afford to pass
this volume by; the beginner not so much.
It is designed as an encyclopedia of themes and terms encountered in
Mr. Brown’s book. It will be invaluable for numerous other uses as
well. It is short, and as such it is not as comprehensive as it might
be, but its breadth and depth are impressive.
Mr. Greer has produced over a dozen books on an impressive range of
topics from the thoroughly practical (Inside a Magical Lodge) to more
fringe topics (The UFO Phenomenon). In every case he has brought his
formidable abilities as a writer and researcher to bear. He has
produced works which are both intelligent and intelligible, as is the
current work.
The small size of this book is both an advantage and a disadvantage.
The advantage comes from the facts that it is easy to carry along with
you and that its contents are highly concentrated. Its primary
disadvantage is the need to limit discussion of some topics severely.
Despite its orientation towards Dan Brown’s book, it provides a broad
base of knowledge for the beginning occultist. He isn’t afraid to
poke holes in some of the sacred cows of the occult movement (e.g.,
the ancient, unbroken lineage of the lodge system, the authorship of
classical works, etc.), but when he does so it is a matter of
contrasting rumors to proven facts (although conspiracy theorists will
doubtless see this as merely another attempt at disinformation by the
established hierarchy).
This is a handy, convenient, and concise reference work. If you have
read, are reading, or plan to read The Lost Symbol, this book is a
fine addition. If, on the other hand, you are simply an occult
information junkie (like me) you will enjoy having this book in your
library.