This picaresque romance is “intellectually fascinating and emotionally powerful . . . a poignant meditation on youth, love, myth, history, and quantum theory.” (Chicago Review of Books) On a spring afternoon in 1978 in the loft of a church outside Cambridge, England, an organ tuner named Malory loses his virginity to a dyslexic math genius named Louiza. When Louiza disappears, Malory follows her trail to Rome. There, the quest to find his love gets sidetracked when he discovers he is the heir to the Kingdom of Septimania, given by Charlemagne to the Jews of eighth-century France. In the midst of a Rome reeling from the kidnappings and bombs of the Red Brigades, Malory is crowned King of the Jews, Holy Roman Emperor, and possibly Caliph of All Islam. Over the next fifty years, Malory’s search for Louiza leads to encounters with Pope John Paul II, a band of lost Romanians, a magical Bernini statue, Haroun al Rashid of Arabian Nights fame, an elephant that changes color, a U.S. spy agency and one of the 9/11 bombers, an appleseed from the Tree of Knowledge, and the secret history of Isaac Newton and his discovery of a Grand Unified Theory that explains everything. It’s the quest of a Candide for love and knowledge, and the ultimate discovery that they may be unified after all. “Stupendous.” –Alvaro Enrique, The New York Times Book Review “A fantastically suspenseful adventure. . . . told with the aplomb and smart humor of Michael Chabon and Jonathan Franzen.” —Booklist (starred review) “This is realism as magical as the best of García Márquez.” —Homerjo Aridjis, author of 1492: The Life and Times of Juan Cabezon of Castile

Unsolved mysteries surround the remarkable men known as the Templars. Their ancient origins go back much further than their well-known adventures in the Middle East in the twelfth century. They knew that ancient secrets were waiting to be rediscovered and, perhaps, reactivated. They could generate labyrinthine codes - and decipher those that others had created in the remote past. But no real understanding of Templarism is possible without examining what became of their noble order after the treacherous attack of 1307. King Philip le Bel did not succeed in destroying all Templars - many escaped, including their fleet. Where did they go? Where are they now? What are their continuing purposes today?

At the flickering dawn of the Middle Ages a Jewish Kingdom emerged in southern France, ruled by Jewish kings for 150 years. This is the virtually unknown tale of the first of these Jewish kings, whose astounding accomplishments and intellectual brilliance led him to be fervently hailed by his subjects, for very good reason, as the long-awaited Messiah. He was, impossible though it might seem, uncle to Charlemagne himself; consequently, his blood-line was intermingled with that of the Carolingian kings of France. He fought alongside Charlemagne, expanding his realm manifold, to the fury of the Pope, who regarded the existence of any Jewish kingdom in Europe to be an abomination. This epic novel, unearthed from medieval tomes in Latin, Arabic, Hebrew, French, and German, holds the reader from first page to last, as the king, step by step, fulfills each of the prophecies for the coming of the Messiah despite every obstacle hurled in his path.

This is the first book in the series, it narrates historical facts that are often forgotten or ignored by the general public, and they are historical facts that relate to names, dates, events and a symbolism that can hardly be refuted. As the proverb says: "the force of life is sacred, invisible and powerful, contains the memory of the past and the vision of the future. It allows creation to manifest in matter here and now." For years, Guy Boulianne has scrutinized the collective memory and the memory of his being, in order to restore a truth buried deep within himself and deep within human memories. Chapter after chapter - like a diary-it leads the reader in his quest for the Grail and gives him the keys to a better understanding of the past, present and future world. With him, The Secret History of France resurfaced and was transported to the host country of New France. Throughout the pages, the author reconstructs a little more in the history of his family, which has its origin in the most remote times and which goes back to Prince Ursus, descendant of the Merovingian King Dagobert II, Princess Visigothe Gisèle De Rhedae and the exilarch Makhir ben Habibai, representative of the powerful Babylonian Judaism. This mark of nobility is inscribed on the family coat of arms : "A blue bear's paw, banded or." As Arthur on his dextrier, the Excalibur word in hand, Guy Boulianne slays the dragons-Guardians of treasures-and shares with you the substantive marrow of his research. "History is the witness of times, the light of truth, the life of memory, the teacher of life, the messenger of antiquity " (Cicero, statesman and philosopher).

Is the traditional, accepted view of the life of Christ in some way incomplete? • Is it possible Christ did not die on the cross? • Is it possible Jesus was married, a father, and that his bloodline still exists? • Is it possible that parchments found in the South of France a century ago reveal one of the best-kept secrets of Christendom? • Is it possible that these parchments contain the very heart of the mystery of the Holy Grail? According to the authors of this extraordinarily provocative, meticulously researched book, not only are these things possible — they are probably true! so revolutionary, so original, so convincing, that the most faithful Christians will be moved; here is the book that has sparked worldwide controversey. "Enough to seriously challenge many traditional Christian beliefs, if not alter them." — Los Angeles Times Book Review "Like Chariots of the Gods?...the plot has all the elements of an international thriller." — Newsweek

Jewish Essential Books is an exquisite anthology that underscores the profound depth and diversity within the sphere of Jewish thought and spirituality. This collection artfully assembles a mosaic of works ranging from medieval philosophical treatises to modern exegetical texts, encapsulating the rich tapestry of Jewish literary tradition. It navigates through varying literary styles, from the poetic musings of Judah Halevi to the intricate legalistic arguments of Moses Maimonides, thereby highlighting the profound plurality of perspectives within Judaism. The anthology not only serves as a testament to the intellectual heritage of the Jewish people but also showcases seminal pieces that have shaped Jewish thought across centuries. The contributing authors and editors, including luminaries like Louis Ginzberg and Heinrich Graetz, bring to the collection a wealth of knowledge and scholarly insight. Their backgrounds span across different epochs of Jewish history, reflecting the evolution of Jewish thought from its ancient roots to its contemporary manifestations. Each contributor has been instrumental in articulating the nuances of Jewish theology, philosophy, and law, thereby enriching the anthology's exploration of Jewish identity and spirituality. Together, their works align with key historical and cultural movements, offering readers a panoramic view of Jewish intellectual tradition. Jewish Essential Books offers readers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse themselves in the breadth and depth of Jewish literary culture. This anthology is an invaluable resource for anyone keen to explore the multifaceted nature of Jewish thought, offering insights into the complexities of faith, reason, and tradition. Whether one is a scholar, student, or lay reader, this collection invites a deeper engagement with the seminal texts that have shaped Jewish consciousness, fostering an appreciation for the dialogue between tradition and modernity within Jewish literature.