In a remarkable achievement of historical detective work that is destined to become a classic, authors Lynn Picknett and Clive Prince delve into the mysterious world of the Freemasons, the Cathars, the Knights Templar, and the occult to discover the truth behind an underground religion with roots in the first century that survives even today. Chronicling their fascinating quest for truth through time and space, the authors reveal an astonishing new view of the real motives and character of the founder of Christianity, as well as the actual historical — and revelatory — roles of John the Baptist and Mary Magdalene. Painstakingly researched and thoroughly documented, The Templar Revelation presents a secret history, preserved through the centuries but encoded in works of art and even in the great Gothic cathedrals of Europe, whose final chapter could shatter the foundation of the Christian Church.

Introduction

Part One: The Threads of Heresy

1. The Secret Code of Leonardo da Vinci
2. Into the Underworld
3. In the Footsteps of the Magdalene
4. Heartland of Heresy
5. Guardians of the Grail
6. The Templar Legacy
7. Sex: The Ultimate Sacrament
8. 'This is a Terrible Place'
9. A Curious Treasure
10. Divining the Underground Stream

Part Two: The Web of Truth

11. Gospel Untruths
12. The Woman Whom Jesus Kissed
13. Son of the Goddess
14. John Christ
15. Followers of the King of Light
16. The Great Heresy
17. Out of Egypt

Appendix I Continental Occult Freemasonry

Appendix II Rennes-le-Château and the 'Tomb of God'

Notes and References

Select Bibliography

Index