Stephen Dafoe is an author, journalist, and historical researcher who has published books about medieval history, the Knights Templar, and Freemasonry. Through extensive research, published books, and contributions to historical discussions, he has become a recognized authority in these subjects. His work, which includes well-researched books, articles, and documentary appearances, has been widely referenced by scholars, researchers, and enthusiasts seeking factual, unbiased insights into historical events and organizations.


Featured Books

This page provides an overview of books by Stephen Dafoe, featuring with most well-known works, covering historical research, Freemasonry, and the Crusades, as well as other books he has written and contributed to.

Book cover of Morgan: The Scandal That Shook Freemasonry by Stephen Dafoe, an investigative historical account of the disappearance of William Morgan and its impact on Freemasonry.

Morgan: The Scandal That Shook Freemasonry

๐Ÿ“– Uncovering the abduction and probable murder of William Morgan

For more than a century, Freemasons have argued that William Morgan was not murdered but secretly deported to Canada. In Morgan: The Scandal That Shook Freemasonry, Stephen Dafoe painstakingly reconstructs the truth, following historical documents, court records, and testimonies to analyze one of the biggest scandals in Masonic history.

Key Themes:

โœ” William Morganโ€™s disappearance and its connection to Freemasonry
โœ” The Anti-Masonic Party and its political ramifications
โœ” Historical trial records that shed new light on the case
โœ” A fresh investigation of a 200-year-old mystery

๐Ÿ“– Why Read It?
This book is the definitive investigation into the William Morgan affairโ€”a must-read for history buffs, Masonic scholars, and true crime enthusiasts.

๐Ÿ”น Status: Currently out of print – 15th Anniversary Edition coming in 2025

Book cover of Nobly Born: An Illustrated History of the Knights Templar by Stephen Dafoe, exploring the rise, influence, and downfall of the legendary medieval order.

Nobly Born: An Illustrated History of the Knights Templar

๐Ÿ“– The legendary Templar knights brought to life
The Knights Templar were among the most feared and respected warriors of the Crusades, known for their discipline, military prowess, and financial empire. In Nobly Born, Stephen Dafoe presents a highly illustrated, detailed history of the order, exploring their rise, battles, influence, and ultimate fall.

Whatโ€™s Inside:

โœ” The founding of the Knights Templar and their rise to power
โœ” Major battles and military strategies of the Crusades
โœ” The Templarsโ€™ financial empire and its lasting influence on banking
โœ” The trial and suppression of the order under King Philip IV of France

๐Ÿ“– Why Read It?
This book provides a visually immersive and deeply researched history of the Templars, perfect for history enthusiasts and those fascinated by the Crusades.

๐Ÿ”น Status: Available From The Publisher Lewis Masonic

Book cover of An Illustrated History of the Knights Hospitaller by Stephen Dafoe, detailing the rise, battles, and enduring legacy of the medieval military order.

An Illustrated History of the Knights Hospitaller

๐Ÿ“– The untold story of the medieval military order that outlived the Templars
The Knights Hospitaller began as a monastic order caring for pilgrims in the Holy Land, later evolving into a powerful military force that fought in the Crusades and held strategic Mediterranean strongholds. An Illustrated History of the Knights Hospitaller follows their journey from Jerusalem to Rhodes and Malta, detailing their enduring impact.

Key Topics:

โœ” The transformation of the Hospitallers from healers to warriors
โœ” The Crusades and key battles where they fought
โœ” The Siege of Malta and how it shaped European history
โœ” The modern legacy of the order

๐Ÿ“– Why Read It?
For those who want a balanced, well-researched look at the Hospitallersโ€™ military and humanitarian role, this is essential reading.

๐Ÿ”น Status: Currently out of print

Book cover of The Compasses and the Cross by Stephen Dafoe, a historical analysis of the connection between the Knights Templar and Freemasonry.

The Compasses and the Cross:

An Illustrated History of the Masonic Knights Templar

๐Ÿ“– Did the Knights Templar influence Freemasonry?
The connection between Freemasonry and the Knights Templar has long been debated. The Compasses and the Cross uncovers the historical origins of the Masonic Templar Orders, tracing their development from 18th-century Freemasonry to the present day.

What Youโ€™ll Learn:

โœ” How the Templar mythos entered Freemasonry
โœ” Historical records of early Masonic Templar groups
โœ” The evolution of Masonic Templarism in Britain, the U.S., and Europe
โœ” Differences between Masonic legend and historical reality

๐Ÿ“– Why Read It?
This book is a must-read for Masons, history lovers, and researchers, offering a thorough and objective exploration of Masonic Templarism.

๐Ÿ”น Status: Available From The Publisher Lewis Masonic


The Alan Butler Collaborations

Other books by Stephen Dafoe include two groundbreaking books he co-wrote with Alan Butler, challenging traditional narratives about the Knights Templar.

Book cover of The Knights Templar Revealed by Alan Butler and Stephen Dafoe, exploring the origins, influence, and hidden history of the Knights Templar.

The Knights Templar Revealed

๐Ÿ“– Rewriting the origins of the Knights Templar

This book presents an alternative history of the Templars, suggesting they were not simply medieval monks but part of an older, secretive organization.

Key Concepts:

โœ” The link between the Templars and the Cistercians
โœ” The role of Burgundy and Flanders in shaping Templar traditions
โœ” The hidden power structure behind the order

๐Ÿ“– Why Read It?
For those who love deep historical speculation and alternative history, this book offers fresh insights into Templar origins.

๐Ÿ”น Status: CURRENTLY OUT OF PRINT
Book cover of The Warriors and the Bankers by Alan Butler and Stephen Dafoe, exploring theories on the survival and financial influence of the Knights Templar.

The Warriors and the Bankers

๐Ÿ“– Did the Templars survive beyond 1312?

Many believe the Knights Templar vanished after their persecution. Butler and Dafoe analyze alternative theories, proposing that the Templars secretly continued their influence in banking, military orders, and secret societies.

๐Ÿ“– Why Read It?
If youโ€™ve ever wondered what happened to the Templars after their dissolution, this book presents compelling evidence.

๐Ÿ”น Status: Available From The Publisher Lewis Masonic


Other Books by Stephen Dafoe

Collection of other works by Stephen Dafoe, covering Freemasonry, the Knights Templar, esoteric history, and various historical topics.

Knights Templar & Freemasonry

  • Unholy Worship (1997) – Examines the Baphomet myth, heresy charges, and the Templars’ downfall.
  • The Templar Papers (Contributor) โ€“ Essays on Templar history and legend.
  • Templar Code for Dummies (Technical Editor) โ€“ A beginner-friendly guide to the Templars.
  • Outremer: The Saga of the Knights Templar (Comic Book Creator) โ€“ A historically inspired comic book.
  • Everything I Needed to Know About Freemasonry (Author โ€“ 2020) โ€“ A philosophical exploration of the Entered Apprentice Degree and the core values of Freemasonry.
  • Heredom Volumes 14 & 15 (Scottish Rite Research Society, 2006 & 2007) โ€“ Published research on Masonic education and the William Morgan affair.

Esoteric & Philosophical Works

  • Esoteric Odyssey (Co-Editor with Randy Williams โ€“ 2010) โ€“ A lost 18th-century work of esoteric fiction, blending alchemy, philosophy, and Freemasonry, newly edited with historical annotations.
  • Templar Tarot (Book Author โ€“ 2009) โ€“ A unique tarot deck and book interpreting the history and symbolism of the Knights Templar.

Other Genres & Contributions

  • Rhonny Reaperโ€™s Roadkill Cafรฉ (2011 โ€“ Horror Anthology Contributor) โ€“ A darkly comedic horror collection.
  • Getting Shitfaced & Living to Write About It (2020) โ€“ A lighthearted collection of classic and original cocktail recipes, whiskey trivia, and home bartending insights.

๐Ÿ“ฉ Contact Stephen for signed copies, interviews, or speaking engagements.