Secret Societies in one form or another have existed throughout the history of human culture. But what is their appeal? What is it that makes so-called respectable people indulge in peculiar ceremonies, dressed in fanciful costumes uttering bloodcurdling oaths of loyalty with the threat of death hanging over them should they reveal the inner workings of the cult? Nick Harding investigates these societies and their vagaries in a full and frank examination. Book jacket.