A Brief History of Secret Societies examines the significant hidden power wielded by clandestine organisations from ancient times right up to the present day. Throughout history, humankind's search for knowledge has revealed strange truths. Barrett explores the powerful attraction of esoteric religious beliefs and reveals how such societies have gained a powerful hold on the popular imagination.

He presents an unbiased and balanced history of humanity's desire to uncover secret knowledge, and of the societies that seek to preserve such knowledge.