Skull and Bones was founded in 1832 as a Yale secret society. Each year, fifteen juniors are "tapped" into the prestigious club, which meets in The Tomb. Many men (and finally women) of prominence, including three U.S. Presidents have been members. Bonesmen are supposedly sworn to a lifetime of secrecy.
The manufactured aura surrounding Skull and Bones enhances the mystery embraced by the general public. There are incredible rumors regarding the power and influence this group has over the nation's affairs. Could Skull and Bones be "the most powerful secret society the United States has ever known?"
Alexandra Robbins goes straight to the source in search of answers. She interviews "scores" of Bonesmen and pours over library archives to provide a glimpse into the Tomb and its rich history. Robbins has compiled her findings in Secrets of the Tomb: Skull and Bones, the Ivy League and the Hidden Paths of Power.
The introduction of this book is designed to shock readers and grab their attention. "The Legend of the Skull and Bones" drops big names, speaking of big membership rewards and even bigger worldwide influence. Excitement builds as readers prepare to uncover the secrets of Skull and Bones.
The first two chapters provide a light history of Yale and the birth of its secret societies. Early Bonesmen's behavior wasn't exactly shocking. Debating and giving extensive speeches were sources of amusement.
Halfway through Secrets of the Tomb, the only real mystery revealed is the basic layout of The Tomb. In fact, the written description of the building makes sound more like a frat house than a prestigious Yale institution.
Robbins guides readers through the initiation and secret bonding of Bonesmen. The sociological behavior of club members is more interesting than Skull and Bones itself. As expected, discussion of the Presidents Bush and their social involvement is included.
Alexandra Robbins doesn't reveal much information that can't be found in records and contact with those on the fringe of the organization. The author is a Yale graduate and former member of a rival secret society. Through Secrets of the Tomb, she stays loyal to the elitist Ivy League organizational concept. The result is the disappointing truth about Skull and Bones: fiction is more interesting than fact.
