"Largely ignored by orthodox historians, clandestine brotherhoods such as the Freemasons, Knights Templar, and Rosicrucians have played an influential role throughout history. The Nazis, the Bolsheviks, America’s founding fathers, and the Vatican have all invoked the ideals of these guardians of ancient esoteric wisdom. Howard traces their influence from ancient Egypt to the formation of the European Union, shedding light on the lives of such historical figures as Frederick the Great, John Dee, Francis Bacon, Benjamin Franklin, Helena Blavatsky and Woodrow Wilson. Previously titled The Occult Conspiracy. 272 pp. "