Forbidden History
Book Recommendations

Forbidden History

Forbidden History is a documentary podcast series which explores the past’s darkest corners, sheds light on the lives of intriguing individuals, and uncovers the truth buried deep in history’s most controversial legacies. Each episode will delve into the history archives to reveal new perspectives o...

Episodes 170
Books 17

Recently mentioned

Latest Recommendations

Before the Pyramids: The Origins of Egyptian Civilization (Oriental Institute Museum Publications) cover

Before the Pyramids

Emily Teeter

Mentioned 1 year ago

Lost Treasures of Petra

The book was mentioned in the introduction of the podcast, but no specific details were discussed about it.

The Thursday Murder Club: A Novel (A Thursday Murder Club Mystery) cover

The Thursday Murder Club

Richard Osman

Mentioned 1 year ago

Lost Treasures of Petra

The book was mentioned in the introduction of the podcast, but no specific details were discussed about it.

The Templar revelation: Secret guardians of the true identity of Christ cover

The Templar revelation

Lynn Pinknett

Mentioned 1 year ago

Lost Treasures of Petra

The book was mentioned in the introduction of the podcast, but no specific details were discussed about it.

Decoding the Lost Symbol: The Unauthorized Expert Guide to the Facts Behind the Fiction cover

Decoding the Lost Symbol

Simon Cox

Mentioned 1 year ago

Lost Treasures of Petra

The book was mentioned in the introduction of the podcast, but no specific details were discussed about it.

Grey Wolf: The Escape of Adolf Hitler cover

Grey Wolf

Simon Dunstan

Mentioned 1 year ago

Hitler: Suicide or Survivor?

This book reportedly detailed a theory that Hitler, his wife Eva Braun, and several top Nazis escaped from Berlin using a network of secret tunnels, ultimately fleeing Germany.

According to it book, Gray Wolf, the escape of Adolf Hitler. Hitler, his wife, Eva Braun, and a handful of close-aids and top-ranking Nazis did escape. Using a network of secret tunnels from the Fuhrer bunker in Berlin.

Buy on Amazon
The Last Pope: Francis and the Fall of the Vatican cover

The Last Pope

Robert Howells

Mentioned 1 year ago

The Dark Truth of the Templars

Robert Howells, the book's author, is a historian who dedicated years to investigating the Knights Templar, concluding they possessed a dark side and numerous secrets.

Foucault's Pendulum cover

Foucault's Pendulum

Umberto Eco

Mentioned 1 year ago

The Dark Truth of the Templars

In his bestselling novel, Umberto Eco included a fascinating postscript about the Knights Templar, suggesting the order never truly ceased to exist.

Cosa Nostra: A History of the Sicilian Mafia cover

Cosa Nostra

John Dickie

Mentioned 1 year ago

Scandals & Tales of the Vatican

John Dickie, an investigative author, was mentioned as having written 'Cosa Nostra', alongside other works, indicating his expertise in Vatican finances.

Darkest Italy: The Nation and Stereotypes of the Mezzogiorno, 1860-1900 cover

Darkest Italy

NA NA

Mentioned 1 year ago

Scandals & Tales of the Vatican

John Dickie, an investigative author, was mentioned as having written 'Darkest Italy', alongside other works, indicating his expertise in Vatican finances.

[The Hiram Key: Pharaohs, Freemasonry, and the Discovery of the Secret Scrolls of Jesus] [Author: Lomas, Robert] [August, 2001] cover

[The Hiram Key

Robert Lomas

Mentioned 1 year ago

Inside Secret Societies

Robert Lomas, a Freemason, authored this international bestseller which purportedly revealed the secrets of the Freemasons. It was discussed in the context of an interview with Jamie Theakston, an investigative reporter.

Professor Robert Lomass is a free-mason and author of the International Best Seller, the High Room Key, which unveiled their secrets.

Buy on Amazon
Bilderberg People: Elite Power and Consensus in World Affairs cover

Bilderberg People

Ian Richardson

Mentioned 1 year ago

Inside Secret Societies

Andrew Kakabadse's book, "Bilderberg People," was mentioned as an expert resource on the Bilderberg Group. Investigative reporter Jamie Theakston interviewed the author to discuss the group's goals and influence.

One person who is an expert on the group, is Professor Andrew Kakabatsi, co-author of the book Builderberg People.

Buy on Amazon
A Brief History of Secret Societies: The Hidden Powers of Clandestine Organizations and Elites from the Ancient World to the Present Day cover

A Brief History of Secret Societies

David V. Barrett

Mentioned 1 year ago

Inside Secret Societies

David V. Barrett's book provided insight into secret societies. It was referenced during a discussion with Jamie Theakston about the benefits and potential dangers of joining such organizations.

David Barrett has written a book on such societies and agreed to discuss them with Jamie.

Buy on Amazon

Most Recommended

The Last Pope: Francis and the Fall of the Vatican Cover

Robert Howells

The Last Pope

Francis and the Fall of the Vatican

The book was brought up while discussing the author's background as a historian of secretive religious orders, noting his extensive research into the Knights Templar and that he had written a title about the Vatican. No details about the book's content were provided, and it was mentioned only in passing. The overall tone was neutral, indicating a casual reference rather than a recommendation.

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial
Before the Pyramids: The Origins of Egyptian Civilization (Oriental Institute Museum Publications) Cover

Emily Teeter

Before the Pyramids

The Origins of Egyptian Civilization (Oriental Institute Museum Publications)

The book was briefly referenced in the introductions of two episodes, with Alan Butler mentioning its title but offering no specific discussion of its content. It was noted only in passing without any detailed commentary.

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial
The Thursday Murder Club: A Novel (A Thursday Murder Club Mystery) Cover

Richard Osman

The Thursday Murder Club

A Novel (A Thursday Murder Club Mystery)

The book was briefly referenced in the podcast's introduction, but no specific details or opinions were offered about it in either episode.

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial
The Encyclopedia of Demons and Demonology Cover

Rosemary Guiley

The Encyclopedia of Demons and Demonology

The episode referenced the book as a historical text supposedly authored by King James I in 1597, noting that it was used to justify the admission of children's testimony during the Salem witch trials. It was mentioned to illustrate how demonology literature shaped legal reasoning at the time, without any strong endorsement or critique.

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial
Foucault's Pendulum Cover

Umberto Eco

Foucault's Pendulum

The host highlighted the book during a discussion of the Knights Templar, noting that its bestselling novel contained a fascinating postscript that suggested the order never truly ended. This insight was presented as a compelling reason to explore the work, emphasizing its relevance to the episode's theme. The overall tone was enthusiastic and the title was portrayed as a valuable read for listeners interested in secret histories.

Highly Recommended
Listen on Audible 7-day free trial
Cosa Nostra: A History of the Sicilian Mafia Cover

John Dickie

Cosa Nostra

A History of the Sicilian Mafia

The book was brought up to illustrate John Dickie's credentials as an investigative author, noting that his work on the Sicilian Mafia demonstrates his expertise on Vatican financial matters. The host referenced the title alongside other of his publications, using it as evidence of his authority rather than a direct recommendation.

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial
Darkest Italy: The Nation and Stereotypes of the Mezzogiorno, 1860-1900 Cover

NA NA

Darkest Italy

The Nation and Stereotypes of the Mezzogiorno, 1860-1900

The book was brought up when the hosts referenced John Dickie’s work to illustrate his expertise on Vatican finances. They noted that he had authored the title alongside other investigations, but did not elaborate further on its content. The mention was brief and neutral.

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial
[The Hiram Key: Pharaohs, Freemasonry, and the Discovery of the Secret Scrolls of Jesus] [Author: Lomas, Robert] [August, 2001] Cover

Robert Lomas

[The Hiram Key

Pharaohs, Freemasonry, and the Discovery of the Secret Scrolls of Jesus] [Author

The book was brought up during an interview about secret societies, with the host noting that its author, a Freemason, had written an international bestseller that claimed to unveil the inner workings of Freemasonry. Eric Meyers highlighted the author's credentials and the book’s reputation for revealing hidden history. The discussion framed the title as a notable source for those interested in the mysteries of the order.

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: Inside Secret Societies

Robert Lomas, a Freemason, authored this international bestseller which purportedly revealed the secrets of the Freemasons. It was discussed in the context of an interview with Jamie Theakston, an investigative reporter.

"

Professor Robert Lomass is a free-mason and author of the International Best Seller, the High Room Key, which unveiled their secrets.

Bilderberg People: Elite Power and Consensus in World Affairs Cover

Ian Richardson

Bilderberg People

Elite Power and Consensus in World Affairs

The episode highlighted the book as an expert resource on the secretive group, noting that its co‑author was interviewed to discuss the group's goals and influence. The host cited the author as a leading authority on the subject, suggesting listeners could rely on the title for deeper insight. Overall, the discussion positioned the book as a valuable reference for those interested in the topic.

Highly Recommended
Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: Inside Secret Societies

Andrew Kakabadse's book, "Bilderberg People," was mentioned as an expert resource on the Bilderberg Group. Investigative reporter Jamie Theakston interviewed the author to discuss the group's goals and influence.

"

One person who is an expert on the group, is Professor Andrew Kakabatsi, co-author of the book Builderberg People.

A Brief History of Secret Societies: The Hidden Powers of Clandestine Organizations and Elites from the Ancient World to the Present Day Cover

David V. Barrett

A Brief History of Secret Societies

The Hidden Powers of Clandestine Organizations and Elites from the Ancient World to the Present Day

Eric Meyers referenced the book during a conversation with Jamie Theakston, noting that it offered insight into the benefits and potential dangers of joining secret societies. The discussion used the title as background information rather than a strong endorsement.

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: Inside Secret Societies

David V. Barrett's book provided insight into secret societies. It was referenced during a discussion with Jamie Theakston about the benefits and potential dangers of joining such organizations.

"

David Barrett has written a book on such societies and agreed to discuss them with Jamie.

The Irrational Ape: Why Flawed Logic Puts us all at Risk and How Critical Thinking Can Save the World Cover

David Robert Grimes

The Irrational Ape

Why Flawed Logic Puts us all at Risk and How Critical Thinking Can Save the World

In the episode, the host referenced the author's expertise on the plausibility of conspiracy theories, noting his research into how long conspiracies can realistically remain hidden. While the title itself was not directly discussed or recommended, his work was cited to support the show's exploration of secret societies.

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: Inside Secret Societies

David Robert Grimes' book wasn't directly discussed, but his expertise on the plausibility of conspiracy theories was mentioned. The podcast touched on his research into how long conspiracies can realistically be kept secret.

"

Something physicists David Grimes knows plenty about.

Danger My Ally Cover

F. A. Mitchell-Hedges

Danger My Ally

The book was referenced as an autobiographical account in which the author describes his exploration of Lubantan and the infamous crystal skull, claiming it is a 3,000‑year‑old "skull of doom" used in dark Mayan rituals. The narrator highlighted these sensational claims while discussing the skull’s mythic evil nature.

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: Curse of the Crystal Skulls

This 1950s autobiography by F.A. Mitchell Hedges details his explorations in Lubantan and mentions the Mitchell Hedges crystal skull, describing it as over 3,000 years old and an embodiment of evil, even calling it the "skull of doom". He also claimed that, according to local legend, the skull was used by Mayan high priests in dark rituals.

"

In his memoirs, Mitchell Hedges stipulates that the skull is over 3,000 years old and is the embodiment of evil.

In fact, he calls it the skull of doom.

Mitchell Hedges also said in his memoirs that according to local legend in Lubantan, the skull of doom was used by the ancient Mayan high priests to perform dark and esoteric rituals.

In God's Name: An Investigation into the Murder of Pope John Paul I Cover

David Yallop

In God's Name

An Investigation into the Murder of Pope John Paul I

The episode highlighted the book as a bestselling 1980s investigation into the mysterious death of Pope John Paul I, focusing on conspiracy theories that implicated Archbishop Marsinkus as a participant in the crime. The hosts presented it as a notable source for listeners interested in Vatican secrets, but did not explicitly endorse it beyond noting its popularity.

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial
The Templar revelation: Secret guardians of the true identity of Christ Cover

Lynn Pinknett

The Templar revelation

Secret guardians of the true identity of Christ

The book was briefly referenced during the episode’s introduction, but the hosts did not elaborate on its content or offer a recommendation. It was noted only in passing, with no further discussion.

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial
Decoding the Lost Symbol: The Unauthorized Expert Guide to the Facts Behind the Fiction Cover

Simon Cox

Decoding the Lost Symbol

The Unauthorized Expert Guide to the Facts Behind the Fiction

The book was briefly referenced during the podcast's introduction, but no specific details or analysis were provided. It was mentioned without further discussion or endorsement.

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial
Grey Wolf: The Escape of Adolf Hitler Cover

Simon Dunstan

Grey Wolf

The Escape of Adolf Hitler

The book was brought up during a discussion of the Hitler suicide versus survivor debate, where Eric Meyers outlined its claim that Hitler, Eva Braun, and several top Nazis escaped Berlin through secret tunnels. Host Guy Walters expressed skepticism, calling the author a fool if he truly believed the story. The episode highlighted the title as an example of a controversial escape theory rather than endorsing it.

Critiqued
Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: Hitler: Suicide or Survivor?

This book reportedly detailed a theory that Hitler, his wife Eva Braun, and several top Nazis escaped from Berlin using a network of secret tunnels, ultimately fleeing Germany.

"

According to it book, Gray Wolf, the escape of Adolf Hitler. Hitler, his wife, Eva Braun, and a handful of close-aids and top-ranking Nazis did escape. Using a network of secret tunnels from the Fuhrer bunker in Berlin.

Its author is Gerard Williams, a former reporter for the Reuters News Agency.

I have no opinion as to whether Jared Williams believes his story or not. If he does, then I think he's a fool.

All he'd done is gone back to the reporting from the time and put it out in a book.

Note: The book recommendations on this page are discovered automatically from podcast transcripts, and may be incorrect or incomplete.