History Decoded: The 10 Greatest Conspiracies of All Time Hardcover – October 22, 2013

Seriously, if you've watched Brad Meltzer's Decoding History television series, you've already seen nine of the ten conspiracies in this book. The only one you're missing is the JFK assassination.And it reads like one of Mr. Meltzer's favorite things is to debunk conspiracy theories - or to do so as far as available facts allow anyone. One must also take into account that stories get enlarged and rumors exaggerated. Over time, a cache of a few coins becomes hundreds. A favored bandit becomes a modern Robin Hood. and escapes being captured.Anyway, the author's top ten favorites:* Was John Wilkes Booth actually apprehended* Where is all the Confederate Gold* The Georgia Guidestones* Who was DB Cooper* Where is the White House Cornerstone* The Spear of Destiny* The Real DaVinci Code* Is there any gold in Fort Knox* Roswell, UFO's and Area 51* JFK AssassinationThe only one that I really considered NOT a conspiracy was regarding DaVinci - he was a incredibly intelligent man but he wasn't a prophet of any kind. He observed nature and picked aspects that he felt would help mankind if he could only figure out how. As for any secret codes that appeared in his paintings - just about all painters of the time period used codes and symbols to relay commentary on society, the Church and their sponsors.There are all basically interesting and the author doesn't really give any answer about the truth or fiction of any one of them. Admittedly, they are all American 'conspiracies' and it is likely, the federal government has the answer - or a number of them - hidden away in some file that will not see the light of day in our grandchildren's lifetimes, if then. No matter how specific a FOIL request may be.It was a fun read especially if you enjoy mysteries and are willing to accept that some will might never be solved.I have a copy of the ebook but saw a copy of the actually printed book at a local library branch which has little packets of 'evidence exhibits' for each chapter. In the ebook, there are links to photos of the same. Although, obviously, no ebook link is the same as the three dimensional mini of the Georgia Guidestones.**This review is a duplicate of what appears on GoodReads.com

Carefully read this book, cover to cover. The writer is very gifted. However, the principle subjects are complicated; requiring more elaboration. Each chapter needed to be much longer. The book itself needed to be a minimum of: 300 pages; (ideally, 500 pages.) Even, better there should have been just two subjects selected; and then 300 - 500 pages of content. Example: if the two related subjects of: 'John Wilkes Booth: Was Lincoln's Assassin Apprehended?' and 'The Kennedy Assassination: The Truth Is Out There' were combined into ONE book; (there is more likely a possibility for excellence.) The book then, could have been divided equally; and parallels drawn. Let me additionally say, that each chapter was done well, for the amount of pages allocated. Each chapter, does not appear to push one side or the other. However, I really wanted to give a three star rating. This is all due to the lack of quality material within the last chapter. It seems, that a lot more work went into the previous chapters. Also, the last chapter, regarding the Kennedy Assassination; was a little too heavy into psychology. What do I mean about that? The writing in the last chapter seemed to imply the public had a need to complicate the crime. My interpretation may not be correct. But, in several sentences there seemed the implication, that the public had; deep seated fears that played on their interpretation of evidence. In essence, the book has taken 10 very complicated subjects; and has not elaborated on them enough. If it was a book on 'creative art'; then, there would be enough pages on the subject. However, these are intricate, complicated subjects; that require a lot more serious discussion and elaboration.

Brad Meltzer chronicles several compelling stories with detailed research and questions and answers on the greatest conspiracy theories in history. The author presents comprehensive information, based on extensive research on: The JFK assassination including the people behind the real stories; Lincoln's assassination and the killing of his assassin; Watergate; Oswald and Jack Ruby in JFK's assassination; John Wilkes Booth and the killing of President Abraham Lincoln with information on the man killed in Garrett's barn; and much more. Brad Meltzer explores the conspiracies and myths as he presents the hard facts through scary stories. Did Booth become a fugitive for 40 years? What really happened on stage in Booth's final performance, and was he killed by Union Troops? Did Booth's family members offer a different version of events? The author presents wild theories as we read the facts, while making our own decisions. The questions and answers presented are extremely thought-provoking such as: Did $20 million in gold and silver disappear at the end of the Civil War? Where was the money hidden 150 years ago? Brad Meltzer includes findings on: The KGC; Robert E. Lee; Jefferson davis; The Confederate treasure; The history behind the Georgia Guidestones; The Rosicrucians; and more. The author describes the essence of decoding a mystery by going to the sources, and researching to conclude startling insights. What were the messages in 1980 revealed by the Guidestones? In addition, the author discusses Dan cooper and the hijacking of North West Orient airlines; Bombs on planes and security procedures; The FBI in historical investigations; The Cornerstone of Democracy; The building of the White House. As we read on, we also learn theories about the Spear of Destiny; the Vatican spear; Hitler and his obsessions; Michelangelo; and symbols in historic paintings. Included is information researched in detail on: The 1929 collapse of the stock market; Fort Knox and the U.S. gold reserves; UFOs and Area 51; The Mona Lisa and encoded messages; President Roosevelt and the Great Depression; and theories presented on the mysterious deaths of witnesses in the JFK assassination. This remarkable account of the Greatest Conspiracies in history includes photos, exhibits, and interviews. Interesting, comprehensive, and educational. Highly recommended!

I found this to be a very interesting book. Especially the Kennedy assination theories as it is much in the news at the moment being the 50th anniversary. Also the Roswell incident is investigated as well as some incidents which are unknown outside of the USA.Yes, a good read.

Wow brilliant book, my hubby loved it

great read..makes you think..

Having read this in Kindle I am unable to comment on the extra pullout information Brad Meltzer has added in the hardcover or printed books. The questions asked and the mysteries dissected make for great reading as these are "facts" of history challenged, questioned and given new slants in Meltzer's decoding. I enjoyed the many complicated studies and plan to reread this at least another time...soon!

Interesting book. More of just a flip through. Lots of neat things with it.