Its mysterious symbols and rituals had been used in secret for centuries before Freemasonry revealed itself in London in 1717. Once known, Freemasonry spread throughout the world and attracted kings, emperors, and statesmen to take its sacred oaths. It also attracted great revolutionaries such as George Washington and Sam Houston in America, Juarez in Mexico, Garibaldi in Italy, and Bolivar in South America. It was outlawed over the centuries by Hitler, Mussolini, and the Ayatollah Khomeini. But where had this powerful organization come from? What was it doing in those secret centuries before it rose from underground more than 270 years ago? And why was Freemasonry attacked with such intense hatred by the Roman Catholic church? This amazing detective story answers those questions and proves that the Knights Templar in Britain, fleeing arrest and torture by pope and king, formed a secret society of mutual protection that came to be called Freemasonry. Based on years of meticulous research, this book solves the last remaining mysteries of the Masons-their secret words, symbols, and allegories whose true meanings had been lost in antiquity. With a richly drawn background of the bloody battles, the opportunistic kings and scheming popes, the tortures and religious persecution throughout the Middle Ages, it is an important book that may require that we take a new look at the history of events leading to the Protestant Reformation.

About the Author
John J. Robinson, now deceased, was a business executive and ex-marine as well as the author of several books including Dungeon, Fire and Sword: The Knights Templar in the Crusades.

Reviews
A refreshing example of scholarly detective work." * Kirkus *
Robinson takes a fresh look at the Peasants' Revolt of 1381 in England and emerges with something really new. ... [His] hypothesis explains many previously unanswerable facts; for those interested in medieval British history and Freemasonry. * Library Journal *
Historian Robinson persuasively links Freemasonry's origins and goals to the once powerful and wealthy Knights Templar order. ... The author combines scholarly research and entertaining storytelling in tracing Freemasonry as a worldwide political, religious, economic and social body dedicated to self-improvement and charity while governed by secret rituals and symbols. * Publishers Weekly *
...Born in Blood pries apart the mysteries of time with a discerning eye. Accessible to readers of all backgrounds, Born in Blood is fascinating from first page to last and enthusiastically recommended to anyone curious about the hidden history of the Freemasons. * Midwest Book Review *



Book Information
ISBN 9781590771488
Author John J. Robinson
Format Paperback
Page Count 400
Imprint M. Evans& Co Inc
Publisher Rowman & Littlefield
Weight(grams) 517g
Dimensions(mm) 231mm * 152mm * 27mm