Gnosticism. The most mysterious heretical movement of Christianity, shrouded in countless myths and legends. The heirs of the Gnostic heresy are considered to be the Bogomils of Byzantium and Bulgaria, the Cathars of France and Italy, as well as the Freemasons.

Is this statement fair?

Where are the roots of Gnosticism?

Which did this teaching influence European occult, esoteric and theosophical schools?

Have its main postulates really found a worthy reflection even in the popular culture of the 20th century?

Here are just a few of the questions that are answered in his astonishing book, the famous historian and journalist Richard Smoley.