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.
Morgan: The Scandal That Shook Freemasonry
๐ 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 In Morgan: The Scandal That Shook Freemasonry, Stephen Dafoe painstakingly reconstructs the truth, following historical documents, court records, and testimonies to analyze one of the biggest scandals in Masonic history.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:
โ William Morganโs disappearance and its connection to Freemasonry
โ The Anti-Masonic Party and its political ramifications
โ Historical trial records that shed new light on the case
โ A fresh investigation of a 200-year-old mystery
๐ Why Read It?
This book is the definitive investigation into the William Morgan affairโa must-read for history buffs, Masonic scholars, and true crime enthusiasts.
๐น Status: Currently out of print – 15th Anniversary Edition coming in 2025
Nobly Born: An Illustrated History of the Knights Templar
๐ 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.
Whatโs Inside:
โ The founding of the Knights Templar and their rise to power
โ Major battles and military strategies of the Crusades
โ The Templarsโ financial empire and its lasting influence on banking
โ The trial and suppression of the order under King Philip IV of France
๐ 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.
๐น Status: Available From The Publisher Lewis Masonic
An Illustrated History of the Knights Hospitaller
๐ 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:
โ The transformation of the Hospitallers from healers to warriors
โ The Crusades and key battles where they fought
โ The Siege of Malta and how it shaped European history
โ The modern legacy of the order
๐ Why Read It?
For those who want a balanced, well-researched look at the Hospitallersโ military and humanitarian role, this is essential reading.
๐น Status: Currently out of print
The Compasses and the Cross:
An Illustrated History of the Masonic Knights Templar
๐ 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 Youโll Learn:
โ How the Templar mythos entered Freemasonry
โ Historical records of early Masonic Templar groups
โ The evolution of Masonic Templarism in Britain, the U.S., and Europe
โ Differences between Masonic legend and historical reality
๐ Why Read It?
This book is a must-read for Masons, history lovers, and researchers, offering a thorough and objective exploration of Masonic Templarism.
๐น 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.
The Knights Templar Revealed
๐ 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:
โ The link between the Templars and the Cistercians
โ The role of Burgundy and Flanders in shaping Templar traditions
โ The hidden power structure behind the order
๐ Why Read It?
For those who love deep historical speculation and alternative history, this book offers fresh insights into Templar origins.
๐น Status: CURRENTLY OUT OF PRINT
The Warriors and the Bankers
๐ 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.
๐ Why Read It?
If youโve ever wondered what happened to the Templars after their dissolution, this book presents compelling evidence.
๐น Status: Available From The Publisher Lewis Masonic
Other Books by Stephen Dafoe
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 Reaperโs 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.
๐ฉ Contact Stephen for signed copies, interviews, or speaking engagements.