This is the first-ever in-depth study of the Soka Gakkai Buddhists in the United States of America. Drawing on new and revealing surveys and interviews, it paints a fascinating picture of one of the fastest-growing religions in the world.

From its traces in cryptic images on the dollar bill to Dan Brown's The Lost Symbol, Freemasonry has long been one of the most romanticized secret societies in the world. But a simple fact escapes most depictions of this elite brotherhood: There are women Freemasons, too. In this groundbreaking ethnography, Lilith Mahmud takes readers inside Masonic lodges in contemporary Italy, where she observes the many ritualistic and fraternal bonds forged among women initiates of this elite and esoteric society. Offering a tantalizing look behind lodge doors, The Brotherhood of Freemason Sisters unveils a complex culture of discretion in which Freemasons simultaneously reveal some truths and hide others. Women - one of Freemasonry's best-kept secrets - are often upper class and highly educated but paradoxically antifeminist, and their self-cultivation through the Masonic path is an effort to embrace the deeply gendered ideals of fraternity. Mahmud unravels this contradiction at the heart of Freemasonry: how it was at once responsible for many of the egalitarian concepts of the Enlightenment and yet has always been, and in Italy still remains, extremely exclusive. The result is not only a thrilling look at an unfamiliar-and surprisingly influential-world, but a reevaluation altogether of the modern values and ideals that we now take for granted.

This book offers a comprehensive overview of electronic dance music (EDM) and club culture. To do so, it interlinks a broad range of disciplines, revealing their (at times vastly) differing standpoints on the same subject. Scholars from such diverse fields as cultural studies, economics, linguistics, media studies, musicology, philosophy, and sociology share their perspectives. In addition, the book features articles by practitioners who have been active on the EDM scene for many years and discuss issues like gender and diversity problems in general, and the effects of gentrification on club culture in Berlin. Although the book's main focus is on Berlin, one of the key centers of EDM and club culture, its findings can also be applied to other hotspots. Though primarily intended for researchers and students, the book will benefit all readers interested in obtaining an interdisciplinary overview of research on electronic dance music.

In Gangs and Organized Crime, George W. Knox, Gregg W. Etter, and Carter F. Smith offer an informed and carefully investigated examination of gangs and organized crime groups, covering street gangs, prison gangs, outlaw motorcycle gangs, and organized crime groups from every continent. The authors have spent decades investigating gangs as well as researching their history and activities, and this dual professional-academic perspective informs their analysis of gangs and crime groups. They take a multidisciplinary approach that combines criminal justice, public policy and administration, law, organizational behavior, sociology, psychology, and urban planning perspectives to provide insight into the actions and interactions of a variety of groups and their members. This textbook is ideal for criminal justice and sociology courses on gangs as well as related course topics like gang behavior, gang crime and the inner city, organized crime families, and transnational criminal groups. Gangs and Organized Crime is also an excellent addition to the professional's reference library or primer for the general reader. More information is available at the supporting website - www.gangsandorganizedcrime.com

Freemasonry was a major cultural and social phenomenon and a key element of the Enlightenment. It was to have an international influence across the globe. This primary resource collection charts a key period in the development of organized Freemasonry culminating in the formation of a single United Grand Lodge of England. The secrecy that has surrounded Freemasonry has made it difficult to access information and documents about the organization and its adherents in the past. This collection is the result of extensive archival research and transcription and highlights the most significant themes associated with Freemasonry. The documents are drawn from masonic collections, private archives and libraries worldwide. The majority of these texts have never before been republished. Documents include rituals (some written in code), funeral services, sermons, songs, certificates, an engraved list of lodges, letters, pamphlets, theatrical prologues and epilogues, and articles from newspapers and periodicals. This collection will enable researchers to identify many key masons for the first time. It will be of interest to students of Freemasonry, the Enlightenment and researchers in eighteenth-century studies.

7 lectures (of 9), St. Gallen, Zurich, and Dornach, Nov. 6-25, 1917 (CW 178) In the age of the internet and the proliferation of "conspiracy theories," ideas that secret groups are trying to gain control of humanity are no longer rare. But this was not true in 1917 when Rudolf Steiner spoke of such matters in the extraordinary lectures contained in this book. His unique contribution to this controversial topic is not based on abstract theories; it arose from exact research methods that use advanced forms of perception and cognition. Using the firsthand knowledge available to him, Steiner takes us behind the scenes of events in outer history and contemporary culture to reveal a dark world of secret elitist brotherhoods that are attempting to control the masses through the forces of economics, technology, and political assassinations. These hidden groups, he explains, seek power through the use of ritual magic and suggestion. Among many topics, Steiner speaks on these important matters: - The geographic nature of the American continent and the forces that arise from it - The nature of the double (doppelganger) and the dangers of psychoanalysis - The spiritual origin of electromagnetism - Abuse of inoculations and vaccinations - The meaning of Ireland for world development - Confused ideas about angels in connection with higher beings and divinity - Our need for clear insight into world events based on spiritual knowledge Secret Brotherhoods was newly translated for this edition. C O N T E N T S Lecture Summaries Introduction by Terry Boardman 1. Knowledge of the Supersensible and Riddles of the Human Soul (11.15.1917) 2. The Mystery of the Double: Geographic Medicine (11.16.1917) 3. Behind the Scenes of External Events I (11.6.1917) 4. Behind the Scenes of External Events II (11.13.1917) 5. Individual Spirit Beings and the Constant Foundation of the Universe I (11.18.1917) 6. Individual Spirit Beings and the Constant Foundation of the Universe II (11.19.1917) 7. Individual Spirit Beings and the Constant Foundation of the Universe III (11.25.1917) Notes Note Regarding Rudolf Steiner's Lectures Secret Brotherhoods is an English translation of 7 (of 10) lectures from German of Individuelle Geistwesen und ihr Wirken in der Seele des Menschen. Geistige Wesen und Ihre Wirkung Band II (GA 178).

'My favorite read of 2022, I am recommending it to everyone I know.' Reader Review Three strangers all caught in the deep end... but can they help each other float through? After tragically losing her husband and being left a single mother to two children, Gabriella has only one escape for herself - swimming at a local London lido to clear her mind. A constant stream of both new and familiar faces visit the lido like Gabriella - but she doesn't suspect any are suffering quite like her, until she meets Helen - who swims to escape her emotionless husband, and Ian - who feels lost in the deep end after becoming unemployed and unable to tell his husband. Grateful for new companionship, these three strangers decide to make their friendship into something more permanent: The Lonely Hearts Lido Club. An uplifting, captivating read about the power of friendship - fans of Hazel Prior and Mike Gayle will adore this. Readers are loving joining The Lonely Hearts Lido Club: 'I'm in awe of how Charlie Lyndhurst manages to tease out the extraordinary from ordinary lives and make me like every single character.' Sue Moorcroft, author of Summer at the French Cafe 'This was a wonderful story, full of emotion, hope and joy.' Reader Review 'This was a truly beautiful book to read...full of emotion, hope and joy.' Reader Review 'Three strangers bond at the pool and form a friendship to circumvent their personal struggles. I really enjoyed this book it's rare that you read a book about a true friendship.' Reader Review 'Love how each of these ppl are dealing with different heartbreaking situations, but manage to find a way to come together to fight their grief, but find happiness together instead. The writing is beautiful, the characters rich, and the storyline keeps you wanting to turn the pages long into the night.' Reader Review 'This was a great lighthearted beach read. About strangers who connect in a beautiful way. It was a great read' Reader Review 'This was an absolutely wonderful read! It was exactly what I look for in a character driven novel - it made me want to be a part of this little group so so badly!' Reader Review 'It was a beautiful read about friendship and how three people can come together and support each other. Loved the writing style and I think it's a perfect summer read.' Reader Review 'A real escapist summer read...their friendship is uplifting and heart-warming. I almost wish I was part of the Lonely Hearts Lido Club myself!' Reader Review 'This was a super cute book...it was witty and charming and I'd highly recommend!' Reader Review Praise for Charlie Lyndhurst: 'A super cute read - you'll be laughing and crying.' Mandy Baggott, author of Staying Out for the Summer 'Perfect meet cutes, great characters, a few laughs, and of course that HEA that checks all the feelgood boxes' Reader Review 'I adored every character... I truly loved it.' Reader Review 'I loved jumping between these three stories. I really fell in love with all of these characters.' Reader Review 'The story was fantastic. An almost Love, Actually kind of vibe.' Reader Review 'Had me laughing out loud. The writing is good, the storyline is adorable and the characters are lovable.' Reader Review 'Didn't let me go until I read the final page...I became fully invested in their lives.' Reader Review 'A heartwarming story of staying true to yourself, charming and heartfelt.' Reader Review

The Muslim Brotherhood in the West remains a mysterious entity. In The Closed Circle, Lorenzo Vidino offers an unprecedented inside view into how one of the world's most influential Islamist groups operates. He marshals unique interviews with prominent former members and associates from Europe, the United Kingdom, and North America, shedding light on why and how people join and leave Western outfits of the Muslim Brotherhood. Drawing on these striking personal accounts, Vidino weaves together the experiences of individuals who participated in and later renounced Brotherhood groups. Their perspectives provide a wealth of new information about the Brotherhood's secretive inner workings and the networks that connecting the small yet highly organized cluster of Brotherhood-influenced groups. The Closed Circle examines the tactics the Brotherhood uses to recruit and retain participants as well as how and why individuals make the difficult decision to leave. Through the stories of diverse former members, Vidino paints a portrait of a highly structured, tight-knit movement. His unprecedented access and understanding of the group's activities and motivations has significant policy implications concerning Western Brotherhood organizations and also illuminates the underlying mechanisms found in a range of extremist groups.

The American Fraternity is a mysterious photo and ritual book that lifts the veil on America's oldest and most influential male tradition. The text comes from a decaying ritual manual from a prominent college fraternity. Seventy-five percent of modern U.S. presidents, senators, justices, and executives have taken arcane oaths of allegiance like the ones it contains. Six decades of red ceremonial wax stain it like blood. It is filled with dark power.

The Muslim Brotherhood in the West remains a mysterious entity. In The Closed Circle, Lorenzo Vidino offers an unprecedented inside view into how one of the world's most influential Islamist groups operates. He marshals unique interviews with prominent former members and associates from Europe, the United Kingdom, and North America, shedding light on why and how people join and leave Western outfits of the Muslim Brotherhood. Drawing on these striking personal accounts, Vidino weaves together the experiences of individuals who participated in and later renounced Brotherhood groups. Their perspectives provide a wealth of new information about the Brotherhood's secretive inner workings and the networks that connecting the small yet highly organized cluster of Brotherhood-influenced groups. The Closed Circle examines the tactics the Brotherhood uses to recruit and retain participants as well as how and why individuals make the difficult decision to leave. Through the stories of diverse former members, Vidino paints a portrait of a highly structured, tight-knit movement. His unprecedented access and understanding of the group's activities and motivations has significant policy implications concerning Western Brotherhood organizations and also illuminates the underlying mechanisms found in a range of extremist groups.

Metro Vancouver is a diverse city where half the residents identify as people of colour, but only one percent of the population is racialized as Black. In this context, African-Canadians are both hyper-visible as Black, and invisible as distinct communities. Informed by feminist and critical race theories, and based on interviews with women and men who grew up in Vancouver, "Where Are You From?" recounts the unique experience of growing up in a place where the second generation seldom sees other people who look like them, and yet are inundated with popular representations of Blackness from the United States. This study explores how the second generation in Vancouver redefine their African identities to distinguish themselves from African-Americans, while continuing to experience considerable everyday racism that challenges belonging as Canadians. As a result, some members of the second generation reject, and others strongly assert, a Canadian identity.

In Virtual Activism: Sexuality, the Internet, and a Social Movement in Singapore, cultural anthropologist Robert Phillips provides a detailed, yet accessible, ethnographic case study that looks at the changes in LGBT activism in Singapore in the period 1993-2019. Based on extensive fieldwork conducted with activist organizations and individuals, Phillips illustrates key theoretical ideas - including illiberal pragmatics and neoliberal homonormativity - that, in combination with the introduction of the Internet, have shaped the manner by which LGBT Singaporeans are framing and subsequently claiming rights. Phillips argues that the activism engaged in by LGBT Singaporeans for governmental and societal recognition is in many respects virtual. His analysis documents how the actions of activists have resulted in some noteworthy changes in the lives of LGBT Singaporeans, but nothing as grand as some would have hoped, thus indexing the "not quite" aspect of the virtual. Yet, Virtual Activism also demonstrates how these actions have encouraged LGBT Singaporeans to fight even harder for their rights, signalling the "possibilities" that the virtual holds.

'A trained scout will see little signs and tracks, he puts them together in his mind and quickly reads a meaning from them such as an untrained man would never arrive at.' A startling amalgam of Zulu war-cry and imperial and urban myth, of borrowed tips on health and hygiene, and object lessons in woodcraft, Robert Baden-Powell's Scouting for Boys (1908) is the original blueprint and 'self-instructor' of the Boy Scout Movement. An all-time bestseller in the English-speaking world, second only to the Bible, this primer of 'yarns and pictures' constitutes probably the most influential manual for youth ever published. Yet the book is at the same time a roughly composed hodge-podge of jingoist lore and tracker legend, padded with lengthy quotations from adventure fiction and B-P's own autobiography, and seamed through with the multiple anxieties of its time: fears of degeneration, concerns about masculinity and self-restraint, invasion paranoia. Elleke Boehmer's edition of Scouting for Boys is the first to reprint the original text and illustrations, and her fine introduction investigates a book that has been cited as an authority by militarists and pacifists, capitalists and environmentalists alike.

* Offers evidence from Jesse James's secret encoded diaries * Examines Jesse James's close ties with other notorious outlaws, such as Johnny Ringo, Jesse Evans, and Billy the Kid * Shows how Jesse James was related, by blood or marriage, to powerful people in law enforcement and politics, including the elite families behind the Copperheads and the Knights of the Golden Circle organizations Jesse James and many other Old West outlaws were much more than just wild cowboys. As author Daniel Duke--the great-great-grandson of Jesse James--reveals, James and other infamous outlaws were part of a larger organization, centuries old, that has affected U.S. history from the small, rural streets of early America to the highest levels of the nation's government, with continuing influence to this day. Drawing on his great-great-grandfather's secret diaries, Duke unravels the hidden history of the Wild West to expose the outlaws, politicians, and secret societies who were pulling strings behind the scenes. He examines Jesse James's close ties with other notorious outlaws, such as Johnny Ringo, Jesse Evans, and Billy the Kid, and demonstrates not only how James faked his death and lived out his life under an alias, but how Billy the Kid did the same. He also details how both Jesse James and Billy the Kid continued their work for the nameless organization after their faked deaths.

Freemasonry has always been a highly controversial movement. Yet in spite of the vast literature that has been produced on the subject, its origins have remained obscure. David Stevenson demonstrates that the real origins of the essentials of modern freemasonry lie in Scotland around 1600, when the system of lodges was created by Stonemasons. With rituals and secrets blending medieval mythology with a number of late Renaissance intellectual influences, a movement was created that was to spread through England, across Europe, and then around the world.