This book was written by an author who is up to his neck in esotericism and the history of the Age of Reason. The author does a good job of explaining just how dangerous it was in times past to hold some of the beliefs that R+Cs did, and why things were kept so secret. I had the feeling he did his research well, going back where possible to original documents in various continental libraries in order to do so. One glance at the bibliography of this book will prove the breadth of his research and, likely, the intensity of his interest in the subject.

It is not a handbook of R+C teachings, but does contain very helpful information on key parts of the R+C tradition: the Fama Fraternitatis, Confessio Fraternitatis and Chemical Wedding of Christian Rosenkreutz. The roles of key personalities relevant to the R+C are considered: Johann Andraea, Francis Bacon, Dr. R. Swinburne Clymer, John Dee, Rene Descartes, Goethe, Max Heindel, Dr. H. Spencer Lewis, Michael Maier, Paschal B. Randolph, Rudolph Steiner, A.E. Waite, Adam Weishaupt (of the Bavarian Illuminati), etc.

There are 16 b/w plate illustrations.

One of the later chapters gives potted histories of some of the 20th century R+C groups: AMORC, Fraternitatis Rosae Crucis, Golden Dawn, Lectorium Rosicrucianum, Rosicrucian Fellowship.

Although this book is not an expose of detailed R+C teachings and symbology, it is a valuable resource for someone interested in knowing more about the Rosicrucians and in tying together the various strands, movements and philosophies.


Great!!!!!!!   October 25, 1999
 7 out of 16 found this review helpful

One of the best books I've read on the subject of Rosicrusianism. It's a little bit too short but the information is good and gives the reader an introduction to the Rosicrusian history after Fama.


Very well researched   March 29, 1999
 26 out of 29 found this review helpful

If you are already a rosicrucian, this book will not help you since you have inside information. But if you want to read a true historian's view on facts involving the Rosicrucian movement, this is an excellent book. The author made a very thorough job of investigating sources.

His basis is veryfiable facts (not all facts unfortunately can be verified). He started writing on Rosicrucianism with the thought of it being a fledging unimportant movement, but had to change his mind completely as the many details came to the surface. This books covers everything from the Fama (manifestos) to present day rosicrucian movements like AMORC, and the Fellowship...

A very technical and scholarly book!


Disappointing...   November 27, 1998
 17 out of 36 found this review helpful

When I picked up the book, what I hoped to find was a book telling me what Rosicrusianism was all about. What I got was an outsiders speculation on the subject. I wouldn't recommend it if you are truly interested in the subject.

S.L. USA