| Details | | Publication Date: | 1997-06-01 |
| Size | | Length: | 287 pages | | Height: | 11.3 in | | Width: | 9.0 in | | Thickness: | 1.0 in | | Weight: | 36.0 oz |
Publisher's Note
Debunking the spurious reputations of some, detailing the authenticity of others, The International Encyclopedia of Secret Societies and Fraternal Orders contains over 800 A-to-Z entries describing the names, natures, and purposes of secret societies throughout history and around the world. An extensive introduction gives readers a solid overview of the evolution of secret societies from their ancient roots, typologies of secret societies - how and why they specialized, why schisms and splinter groups are almost inevitable, how brotherhoods often formed around one charismatic personality, and why memberships are now declining. Further, The International Encyclopedia of Secret Societies and Fraternal Orders has a comprehensive bibliography, an index, and includes the addresses of secret societies in existence today.
Industry Reviews
Axelrod (Encyclopedia of the American West, LJ 11/1/96) gives us a detailed, well-written encyclopedia of past and present social, service, ethnic, trade, mystical, religious, political, and criminal societies from around the world. Over 800 entries cover organizations and related topics such as rituals, degrees, and symbols, with those on active organizations including membership information, activities, and addresses. Axelrod also provides a useful introductory essay on the evolution of secret societies and reasons why individuals join such groups, and he closes the work with a detailed bibliography. This work duplicates some of the directory information found in the Encyclopedia of Associations (Gale, 1997. 32d ed.) but updates older titles like William Joseph Whalen's Handbook of Secret Organizations (1966. o.p.). Recommended for both academic and public libraries. Stephen L. Hupp, Univ. of Pittsburgh at Johnstown
Stefanatos
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