Secret Message of Jules Verne, The by Michel Lamy © 2007 Destiny Books
ISBN 1-59477-161-8 192 pages with Illustrations Paperback $18.95 (U.S.)
$23.95 (Canada)
It came as a surprise to me, as I am sure it will to many people, to find
the name of Jules Verne connected to the mysteries associated with
Rennes-les-Chateau. And many people will undoubtedly be surprised to hear
of his active connection to masonic and Rosicrucian groups. Still, for a
man many have held to be a visionary, I would suppose that nothing should
be
too surprising.
The author, who lives in France, has written books on Joan of Arc, the
Templars, and the hidden history of the Basque region, which are all
interests of mine. This is, however. The first of his works I have read.
Perhaps other works of his will become available in English translation.
Monsieur Lamy shows the many connections which existed among various
members
of secret societies in Paris, and elsewhere, at the end of the 19th
century
and numerous writers ranging from George Sand to Gaston Leroux and Anatole
France. Then connections he illustrates shed light on some of the
mysteries
of Rennes-les-Chateau which have recently found an audience outside of
France.
This book, in many ways, reads like a mystery novel. The subject matter,
which could have been dry and uninteresting, is presented in a style which
keeps the reader's interest. I normally allow myself about a week and a
half to read and review a book, but I found myself midway through this one
within 48 hours of starting it. In spite of the need for frequent
footnotes
from the translator, the flow of this book is quite compelling.
I have one minor complaint about this book, and the emphasis is on minor.
The vast majority of works cited in the footnotes and bibliography are
from
French publishers, and thus not easily accessible. This is hardly
surprising - the book was translated from French, and the author lives in
France.
This book contains a great deal of conjecture, backed with cir***stantial
evidence, about Verne's involvement with (and possible member****p in)
various occult societies which were present in France during his lifetime.
Is it conclusive? By no means, but it is certainly plausible. It
explains
a great deal of the symbolism which is apparent in his work.
It is a fascinating book for those interested in various topics - Jules
Verne, secret societies, Rennes-les-Chateau, and more. Is it a must have
book? I would have to say probably not. But if you are interested in any
of the topics mentioned, you have a good chance of learning something new.
Enjoy the adventure!
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