SECRET SECTS OF SYRIA AND THE LEBANON. A Consideration of their Origin, Creeds and Religious Ceremonies, and their Connection with and Influence upon Modern Freemasonary.

First edition. Publisher's original brown cloth with gilt titles to the upper board and spine, in dustwrapper. A very good copy, the binding square and firm, bright and fresh with a little bumping at the extremities. The contents, with some spotting to the prelims and margins are otherwise clean throughout and without inscriptions or stamps. Complete with the rubbed and nicked dustwrapper that is somewhat toned to the spine and panel edges. Scarce.

Secret sects have long been woven into the history and culture of the Middle East, with many retaining as much influence today as they did during the time of the Crusades. In the West, the most well-known organisation connected to these ancient sects is the Freemasons, whose rituals are thought to have evolved from those originally practiced by the Knights Templar in the East and later brought to Europe. In this seminal work, Bernard Sprigett explores and deciphers the symbolism, ceremonies, and beliefs of these secretive groups, including the Sabaeans, Gnostics, and Manicheans; the followers of Simon Magus; Sufi and Dervish Orders; the Shiite Metawileh; the Essenes; the Ismaelis; the Assassins; and the Druses, and traces their influence on the Knights Templar and the foundations of modern Freemasonry.