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Freemasonry: A Celebration of the Craft

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Newer bretheren to the Craft will find this book to be easily digestible as well as illuminating. Established Bretheren will no doubt find a few pleasant surprises. Starting with an interesting forward by HRH The Duke of Kent, current Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of England, the book takes the reader through the history of the Craft (and the versions thereof), dispelling certain myths as it does; then goes on to describe the significance of Freemasonry in British but more so in American society (being an American publication). Who would have known, for instance, that the Statue of Liberty was designed by a Mason, paid for by Masons, and that even the cornerstone was laid by a Mason (the Grand Master of New York) in a public Masoic ceremony? The book finnishes with a descriptive list of 250 of the more famous Masons from around the world. A fine addition to the bookshelf of any Brother!

This hard cover book was a joy to read. It explains most of the history of Masonry, as well as documenting the more famous Masons throughout time, although a little of the history is a bit dry. It explains many interesting facts about how Masons affected the United States, as well as Europe, from the 1800s until today. It has an easy-to-read, good looking typeface with beautiful illustrations, and would be a welcome addition to any Mason's library.

This is an excellent book celebrating the 275 years of the Craft of Freemasonry and what it is all about ,seen through the eyes of the Masons themselves.
The Craft of Freemasonry,as it is known today ,began in England when four London Lodges organized into Freemasonry.In time, independent Grand Lodges grew up in many parts of the world.Each developed in its own way its its own traditions and differences,but all subscribe to the same basic principles of Brotherly Love,Relief and Truth.One basic requirement for any person to be accepted as a member is that they believe in God.
There is a long history of organizations stretching all the way back to antiquity where stonemasons and builders joined together ,formed organizations,had tenents and rules,symbols,traditions,rituals and such. One of the better known ,were the Knights Templars,who ,among other things,protected pilgrimages to the Holy Lands in the Middle Ages.Like many organizations throughout history,there was great persecution of members and hence needs to become secret,to survive. The history is very complicated,many books have been written,much is based on historical facts ,but much is written from pure fantasy and even biased agendae.
This book leaves most of the ancient historical roots behind and mainly deals with Freemasonry from 1717 to the present day.
Freemasonry has counted many of the great movers and shakers in the western world among its members during the past 275 years.
This book covers some of these people such as Presidents,Royalty,Scientists,Musicians,Wrirers,Sportsmen,Military Leaders.Entertainers and such.You may already know that some of them wre Freemasons,but others will surprise you.
It is interesting that of the 55 who signed The Declaration Of Independence,9 were Masons ,and 13 Masons signed the Constitution. Although good numbers,in no way can it be construed that they "ran the show"
There are prominent Masons in every area of endeavor, but many and probably the greatest masjority ,were ordinary people and businessmen and leaders.
In the book you will find many interesting things such as the Mason's involvment in the Statute of Liberty,the Capital,The Washingtion Monument and The White House.
On pages 48 and 49 you will find a very interesting and detailed illustration showing the structure of Freemasony and all the various groups and rites involved and how they are connected and relate to one another.
There are a lot of different books available about the Freemasons,but you can't go wrong if you get this book to find out what Freemasonry and what it is all about and who some of the great people in history were among its members.