Priory of Sion un/revealed
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Lynn Picknett and Clive Prince carefully build their conclusion on the existence of the Priory of Sion through a maze of stories, interviews, detailed and reasoned research and existing literature on the subject. One of the most powerful secret societies (if not D one powerul society), Priory of Sion has been gaining an attained notoriousness by the works of Dan Brown and non fictional researchers alike.
The mistery, though, remains who, where, why, how and when. The Sion Revelation, somehow itself trying to answer these questions, turns into a maze of personalities that at times come out from the 10th century, at times from mid-20th century French politics and dis/un/associated 'foreigners' such as Italians and Swiss. The authors from the beginning warn the reader on the 'Frenchness' of the subject and how one ought to think, unreservedly, French when writing on the subject. So, reading goes as smooth as a text literally translated from French.
Unless if the purpose of the publication itself, too, is to reveal and not reveal at the same time (the one sure tactic that Priory of Sion has been using seemingly forever), the chapters seem to be disconnected and when closing the last page, there's an urge to sit at a desk and structurise all the inflow of data to build up a solid and credible knowledge of the who's who and the reaison d'etre of the Priory of Sion.
The most assured things one may pick up from this book, is that Priory Sion does exist, it has a charter and initiation code that are highly confidential, there are many a faux organisations that Priory of Sion sets around to cover its essential members and whereabouts from any possible decoded public eye (if you want to hide a tree, plant hundreds around it).
I recommend this book for those who are fans of mythology, history of religion, symbology, secret societies and anything related to any of these subjects (including poetry, philosophy, politics and apparently mathematics). Also, consider to save up some post-reading time for reflecting on what you've read (because, this book has the power of pre-occupying your mind for weeks after you've read it) and try to get at least a couple of trees before you get, and if you get, to D tree...
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Interesting stuff
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As someone fascinated by the mystery of Rennes Les Chateau, the Priory of Sion and the Da Vinci Code i read this book with interest. Picknett and Prince debunk many of the myths surrounding Rennes Les Chateau, pointing out that documents concerning King Dagobert, Merovingian bloodlines and the priory of sion are later additions and forgeries. They also take a fresh look at other aspects of the mystery, such as the interest of a Hapsburg Duke in Rennes Les Chateau other less explored areas.
They also debunk some of the theories of more fanciful writers on the subject.
On the downside, the book goes into great depth on the subjects of french politics and secret political groups. I found this these sections of the book quite dense and difficult and i lost some interest and even skipped a few pages. Overall though, its another interesting and well written book from Picknett and Prince
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Essential Reading - the Last Word?
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This fine book is essential reading for anyone interested in the controversy surrounding the Priory of Sion. Part One lucidly and comprehensively analyses how the original claims of the Priory of Sion were false and how many people have been taken in by the misinformation included in the documents linked to the Priory of Sion. But it also demonstrates that there is something substantial behind the illusion that is the Priory of Sion, and that the work product of those associated with the Priory of Sion is not, and cannot be dismissed as, wholly meaningless, and does contain real information worthy of close attention alongside the falsities. The authors rightly raise and examine the fascinating question as to why so much effort was expended in creating such a complexity of misinformation.
The interesting claim advanced by the authors in Part Two that there is linkage between the Priory of Sion and other societies, and that the Priory of Sion acts as a front for those societies, is asserted rather than demonstrated. Nevertheless, Part Two takes the reader on an interesting tour of 18th, 19th and 20th century esoteric groups, 20th century French politics and the concept of synarchy.
I look forward to the next book on this subject that can match Picknett and Prince for their thoroughness and insight, and provide an alternative theory. Or is this the last word ... ?
Incidentally, if, as appears unlikely, the reviewer who identifies him or her self only anonymously as "a reader" has actually read this book, he or she clearly disregarded anything they had read when writing their review dated 11 February 2006, and that review, in its turn, should be disregarded.
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keep open
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Although i do not own this book yet, however will be purchasing it in the near future, i would just like to make a point that rants and raves are no way to review an item. In my opinion using all 20 years of wisdom i have (i am only 20), i feel that reviews should be helpful and constructive. I am frustrated with the sheer narrow mindedness of readers rejecting ideas just because it's 'right to'. Books arent written to indoctrinate people or tell people what to believe they are there primarily to give ideas and it is your choice whether or not you agree with them. I wish people would focus on the way the book is written and its positives and negatives. sorry for the long windedness.
I am looking forward to this read and will review it in an unbiased and constructive way.
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Not a revelation but an interesting read nonetheless
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A fascinating read into the "actual" Priory of Sion, the Sion Revelation dispells the romantic version of the Priory laid out in Holy Blood Holy Grail and the Da Vinci Code. Infact one is almost disappointed to discover that the true Priory is not linked to the Knights' Templar, does not guard the sacred bloodline of Christ and does not include da Vinci and Newton as Grand Masters.
Picknett and Prince argue that the Priory is a front for several other esoteric societies that harbour the desire to create a United States of Europe. Infact the Priory of Sion is predominantly a French group that was founded in 1956 rather than a medeval society with links to the Templars and the Crusades. Even so the actual Priory does have its fair share of shadowy characters and may have included ex French presidents' de Galle and Mitterand among its members. Both men played considerable roles in the formation of what is now the European Union.
The book itself is well researched and written. It is essentially split into two parts. The first dispells the da Vinci Code version of the Priory and the second attempts to unravel the truth behind the real Priory, delving deep into the esoteric (occultist) history of France and then into post war France where the group had its beginnings.
No one knows for sure if the group actually exists or wields the influence that some claim. At the time of writing Picknett and Prince couldn't even name the current Grand Master although one of their contacts claimed to be a member. While I find the book and its theories totally credible I did not find any of the conclusions a "revelation". However, I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in getting another slant on the da Vinci Code phenomenon.
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