Alongside the biblical narrative, Gardner looks at the foundations of civilization in ancient Sumer and Bablyon and continues through the nomadic wanderings of the Hewbrews into ancient Egypt. At each point, links are made between the theology and the related history.

Considerable research has gone into the writing of this book and it is hard not to be convinced by the persuasiveness of the thoughts presented. The author has in general pieced together enough circumstantial evidence to be indicative of fact and presents this in a methodical and logical fashion. Always presenting the most straight forward answer to the questions posed, Gardener's theories about the meaning of biblical passages are very appealing, to the extent that the reader feels compelled to question long held understandings.

A caveat for those seeking the gospel truth (no pun intended) however is that many of the references in the book which are treated as fact seem to be to equally speculative / inductive works. Also (and not being a linguist I feel unqualified to comment), some of the arguments regarding the origin of words seem to lack tenacity. A further potential turn-off for some readers will be that at points it could be said that arguments are taken one step too far and it becomes a bit 'X-filey'.

This said the book, and its core argument more than survive these shortcomings. Gardener writes eloquently and with measured passion. It is one of those books that, if it strikes a cord,it is very difficult to put down. Consequently Genesis of the Grail Kings comes highly recommended to those interested in theology, philosophy, the origins of civilization, ancient history and those who simply like to debate. At worst this is an entertaining and thought-provoking read; at best truly groundbreaking.

The shear weight of research that must have been necessary to create this book is astonishing. The referencing of numerous ancient texts in order to see the wider picture, and the carefully crafted lineages at the back of the book could not have been done overnight. Gardner focusses mostly on the 2500 year period between 4000BC and 1500BC, from the cradle of civilization in ancient Sumer to the time of Moses and the Israelites. He takes us on a journey from a time of many Anunnaki Gods to a time where one God became dominant to the Hebrew nation and eventually became the one God of Christianity.

For anyone who wishes to unravel the bizarrely contorted tales of Satan or Adam and Eve, this book will be invaluable. Not everything that Gardner has to say will be to everyone's liking, but that was never his intention. It is essential that we have people of his type to provide us with information that counters the norm, so that we may make up our own minds from a wide range of possibilities.

There are numerous fascinating points in this book, but surely the most fascinating of all is the 'Highward fire-stone' and the transmutation of Gold, which Gardner elaborates on in his mind-blowing follow up 'Lost secrets of the sacred ark'. If all that he says about the Platinum metals in relation to the human body is true then we are surely entering into a new stage of medical science. That is if there is anyone who cares more about humankind than cash.

To never read any of Gardner's books would be a great shame. He opens up avenues of wisdom that we can all travel along if we wish. 'Realm of the Ring Lords' is an easier, lighter read to start with and it would be hard not to go on from there. I will certainly be exploring similar works by other authors to gain a broader view.

The truth is out there and is waiting to be found. Read on.