Foucault's Pendulum is considered essential reading for those into the Templar mystique. It seems to help to have a backround in religion or philosophy history to read this book. I did learn quite a bit about religions though, some of which I had never heard about before. It was also interesting to see how religions are skewed by secular beliefs and customs as well as other religions during a certain time of history. And also how different religions influence one another - even to this day. Very interesting to see how much christianity is similar to older religions and older customs...not nearly so "pure" as I was lead to believe in bible school. So that's the aspect of this book I enjoyed the most.

When I finished this book, I read the reviews of it on amazon.com, and have to say I agree with the reviewer who states the ending is a disappointment. The book tends to wander and meander on the Templar "Plan" only to end abruptly in an unfulfilling way. And after almost 700 pages, I was hoping for a better ending. I do agree with the author's view of obsession clouding and swaying one's beliefs to fit whatever it is we truely want to see.