Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #27757 in Books
• Published on: 2002-04-04
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 480 pages

Synopsis
What secrets connect Egypt's Great Pyramids, the Freemasons and the Council on Foreign Relations? In this astonishing book, celebrated journalist Jim Marrs examines the world's most closely guarded secrets, tracing the history of clandestine societies and the power they have wielded - from the ancient mysteries to modern-day conspiracy theories. Searching for truth, he uncovers disturbing evidence that the real movers and shakers of the world collude covertly to start and stop wars, manipulate stock markets, maintain class distinctions and even censor the news. Provocative and utterly compelling, Rule by Secrecy offers a singular worldview that may explain who we are, where we came from and where we are going.

Customer Reviews

On shooting ones self in the foot
I immediately purchased a copy of this book having been so impressed by Jim Marrs other two works; 'Crossfire' and 'The Terror Conspiracy', both of which were meticulously researched and contained not one accusation that wasn't backed up by evidence which was corroborated by a second piece of evidence. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said of 'Rule by Secrecy'. The first two parts of the book, entitled 'Modern Secret Societies' and 'The Fingerprints of Conspiracy' are very informative, particularly in relation to the influence of the Rothschild family in world events over the last 200 years, but by part 3 Marrs starts to lose the plot somewhat. The killer for me was his assertion that Sir Francis Bacon was secretly the author of William Shakespeare's dramas, claiming without hard evidence that Shakespeare's work betrays knowledge that a commoner simply wouldn't possess. The problem with that claim is that for the first 13 years of Shakespeare's life his father was a successful merchant and community leader who was able to provide his son with a good education, hence his knowledge of matters seemingly above his rank. After that, it was difficult for me to take this book seriously. I think one of the problems with 'Rule by Secrecy' as opposed to the aforementioned titles is that with 'Crossfire' and 'The Terror Conspiracy' there were clear objectives ie, trying to find the truth behind the JFK murder and 9/11, here the point is much more foggy. Surely, no-one is surprised to learn that a handful of wealthy families have enormous influence over governments, or that there exists inequality which the wealthy elite seeks to maintain? Perhaps the reason why Marrs starts to tail-off halfway through is that the further back in time he goes and the more scarce recorded history and hard evidence becomes, the more he starts to make connections that could be interpreted many different ways. Other problems abound: constant quotation of long-since discredited authors such as David Icke (the one who thinks the world is secretly ruled by lizard people. No, that wasn't a joke!) and Leigh & Baigent - authors of 'Holy Blood, Holy Grail' - who, since the success of 'The Da Vinci Code' (which was published after this book), have been torn to shreds by the academic community. On the subject of 'The Da Vinci Code', an entire chapter is dedicated to the mysterious Priory of Scion, which is now known to have been a practical joke concocted by a group of French surrealists in the Twentieth Century. A shame really, as not only do I recommend 'Crossfire' and 'The Terror Conspiracy', I IMPLORE people to read them! Not so 'Rule by Secrecy', which, although very tantalising, is simply not objective or well-referenced enough to merit any serious attention. Avoid!

Beyond the Looking Glass
This book is a phenomenal read. Personally, I don't think everything in it holds water, but this kind of broad-spectrum investigative journalism is a rare thing in todays corporate media. Marrs manages to paint the picture, in broad strokes and in detail when possible, that it is INDEED possible to rule by secrecy. Why would anyone want to decieve the world like that? Look at the history of humanity abd you have your answer. This is after all a planet, were the "leader of the free world" is the grand-son of fascist who participated in a failed coup against Roosevelt ans was later condemned under the Trading with the Enemy Act (yes, Prescott Bush had close ties with Fritz Thyssen).

The wealth and power wielded by these groups will make think revolutionary thoughts.

Enjoy, but read with healthy sceptisism. This book is truly thought provoking.

Makes you wonder...
This book is incredible. Anyone can fire off accusations of corruption to governments, but Marrs has researched this incredibly thoroughly. I know that sounds incredibly patronising but that's how I see it.

The final chapter details the theory of the 12th planet returning to our solar system, which is explored in his earlier book "Alien Agenda". If you're into conspiracy theories and not afraid to open your mind up to the shocking truth then you should check both of these books out. You'll never be the same again.