The Rosicrucians: The History, Mythology, and Rituals of an Esoteric Order

One of my Christmas presents from my parents was a set of books one of which was "The Rosicrucians: The History, Mythology, and Rituals of an Esoteric Order" by Christopher McIntosh. As a Mason and a fan of history, I've always found Rosicrucianism to be a fascinating subject and having joined several groups with Rosicrucian overtones I started actively pursuing the history of this group. This book by McIntosh was a great asset and I advise anyone who is interested in learning about Rosicrucianism to read this book.

Christopher McIntosh traces the history of the Rosicrucian movement from its legendary founding with the life and death of Christian Rozenkreutz as well as the discovery of Rozenkreutz's tomb 120-years after his death. McIntosh analyzes the ancient doctrines, the esoteric tradition in Germany, the influences and possible true founding with the Tubingen Circle, the aftermath of the Rosicrucian Manifestos (Fama Fraternitatis, Confessio Fraternitatis, and The Chymical Wedding of Christian Rozenkreutz), the spread of Rosicrucianism across Europe, the relationship of alchemy and Rosicrucianism, the organization known as "The Golden and Rosy Cross", monarchs who supported Rosicrucianism, the revival in France, the group known as the "Golden Dawn", Rosicrucianism in literature, and modern Rosicrucian movements (to include Masonic ones).