Dr. Roberts describes conspiracy theories as the collective nightmare of a particular culture - one that taps into people's deepest and most powerful fears. This wonderfully researched book examines the history of the secret societies - particularly those of 18th and 19th century Europe - and charts their influence and perceived power in people's interpretation of events. In today's political climate, the idea that there may be secret plans for world domination under the guise of religious cults or secret societies is again surfacing in the collective psyche - and is perhaps being considered more seriously than ever before. Examining and analysing the many forms of secret societies, Dr. Roberts reveals their origin, progression and power - both real and perceived.His intelligent scholarship throws a penetrating light on a murky area of shifting and proliferating alliances between evanescent and shadowy organizations. He plots the legendary careers of many of the conspirators who became the demon kings of revolutionary Europe.