The Freemasons: A History of the World's Most Powerful Secret Society [Paperback]

Jasper Ridley (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 9, 2002

For many centuries, since their founding as a guild comprising the master builders of the great castles and cathedrals of the Middle Ages, the freemasons have enjoyed a dual reputation: powerfulóoften munificentórulers, politicians, and artists whose works have enhanced our world; and members of a dread secret society bent on evil. Here, the eminent historian Jasper Ridley offers a thoughtful, rounded assessment of freemasonry throughout the ages, from its origins up to the present day. Not a mason himself, Ridley nonetheless refutes many of the outrageous allegations made against the order and puts into proper perspective its many contributions to civilization over the centuries.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Many books about the Freemasons are hysterical polemics based on ludicrous conspiracy theories. British historian Jasper Ridley offers a welcome antidote to these half-witted tomes with The Freemasons, a sober-minded account of a secret society that has survived for centuries. Most important, Ridley provides the one thing missing from many discussions of the masons: facts. For instance, after noting the "well-established legend in the United States that the Freemasons made the American Revolution," Ridley shows that "of the 55 men who signed the Declaration of Independence, only nine were certainly masons." (Prominent members of the founding generation who were not masons include Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and Alexander Hamilton.) This shows that masons have played a meaningful role in history, though not the domineering one their critics have alleged. Even though Ridley (who is not a mason) defends the masons against the overblown charges made against them, he doesn't quite buy the explanation that "they are no different from a golf club. ...Members of golf clubs do not take oaths not to reveal the secrets of the club." For a level- headed account of how a medieval guild of stone masons developed over time into an offbeat social organization with a powerful membership, Ridley's book is tough to beat. --John Miller --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Publishers Weekly

As Masonic halls throughout America shut their doors because of declining membership Ridley provides an extended history of the group that was in its prime a couple of generations ago. Although its origins can be traced to stonemasons of the Middle Ages, the Masonic movement as we know it today took root in 18th-century England, where the first Grand Lodge was established in 1717. The movement thrived thanks to its ability to attract aristocratic and influential members of society among them Sir Walter Scott, Frederick the Great and George Washington who joined to socialize, dine and exchange views with like-minded and similarly influential men, and get a frisson from engaging in secret rituals in an exclusive club. Despite the catalogue of powerful members, the book's subtitle is misleading. The Masonic movement, as a sympathetic Ridley himself shows, has generally been benign, and tried to steer clear of political controversy, particularly in the two countries Britain and the United States where it has most firmly taken root. Of course, any secret society that boasts influential members is bound to cause suspicion, and Ridley details the waves of anti-Masonic sentiment that arose throughout the centuries, as well as assorted scandals involving fraud and murder allegations. Yes, its members swear to preserve its secrets on pain of death. But the main reason that Freemasonry's mysteries remain hidden appears largely to be a general lack of interest by society at large. Because of the sweeping scope of his study, Ridley often oversimplifies an age or historical figure. Thus, this is less a book for the serious reader of history than for the simply inquisitive or prospective members of the movement who have no inkling how the Masons differ from Rotarians. 15,000 first printing.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Arcade Publishing (December 9, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1559706546
• ISBN-13: 978-1559706544
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (34 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #397,622 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

62 of 64 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars No rituals, just the Craft's history., August 21, 2003

By 

Dennis Phillips "The Book Friar" (Bulls Gap, Tennessee USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Freemasons: A History of the World's Most Powerful Secret Society (Hardcover)

I would use the term fair and balanced to describe this book but I am afraid that Fox News would take me to court. So, I will just have to say that this book is a very objective look at both the Freemasons and their critics. Where the Freemasons have made a claim that is not supported by fact or is just plain wrong, the author points out the mistake. On the other hand, he also points out the weakness of most Anti-Masonic arguments, calling some of them ridicules. When the Anti's have a fair point though, it is clearly acknowledged.

Jasper Ridley traces Freemasonry from where he thinks it began, to the present day and also looks at Masonry in most countries of the world. He points out that Masonic Lodges in some countries have been the centers for radical revolutionary movements. Masons often deny this but Masonic opposition to reactionary and oppressive monarchs, dictators, and popes has helped inspire many revolutionary leaders from Simon Bolivar to Giuseppe Garibaldi to George Washington. This is for the most part the reason that the Catholic Church has historically been opposed to Freemasonry. However, Ridley correctly points out that while many revolutionary leaders were Freemasons so to were many Royals. For example, Washington fought to free the American colonies from George III whose brother was the Grand Master of English Masons. In fact, as Ridley points out, during conflicts Freemasons were often the leaders of both sides. It was indeed the Freemason Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna who ordered the slaughter of the defenders of the Alamo, Freemasons included. The head of the Texas army, Sam Houston was also a Mason. Jasper's argument here is that the Masonic oaths mean little at such times.

To make a long story short, Ridley gives praise where it is due and does the same with criticism. The Masons come in for harsh treatment over the Morgan affair in New York, as do the Anti-Masons with their contention that Masons had something to do with the Jack the Ripper murders. If you are a Freemason or if you are Anti-Masonic some of your sacred cows will likely be gored by this book. If you are neither of the above you will still enjoy this well written book as it touches on most major events in modern western history.

The only fault I can find is that some of Ridley's history is in error. For example, John Quincy Adams was not the Whig Presidential nominee in 1824. Nor were W.H. Crawford and Henry Clay Independent candidates. Andrew Jackson was also not the Democratic nominee. There was no Whig party in 1824 and all four candidates were Democrats since that was basically the only party in existence. Its picky I know, but if he gets some of these historical facts wrong; what else might he be wrong about?

34 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Debunking Conspiracy Theories, August 8, 2002

By 

Jeffrey Leeper "kem2070" (Seattle, WA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Freemasons: A History of the World's Most Powerful Secret Society (Hardcover)

This book is a combination of the history of the Freemasons and the debunking of myths. The Freemasons organization has been accused of many things throughout the world, such as assassinations and revolutions, but Ridley scrutinizes these accusations and explains that most of this is coincidental or that the myth-writer has a different agenda.

The history of the Freemasons covers the beginnings in the British Isles and the creation of lodges in Europe, Asia, and South and North America. He explains how the membership of the lodges has changed through time as well as how the lodge has changed its organization. He does not seek to expose any secrets, but points out that the organization is similar to many others, but prefers to keep it rituals and initiations to itself.

This secrecy, according to Ridley, is the main reason why there are so many conspiracy theories concerning the Freemasons. An example of the theories is that Jack the Ripper was a Freemason, and another is that the Freemasons started the American Revolution. He points out that although some of the American founding fathers were Freemasons, many of them were not. He also points out that less democratic governments tend to fear the lodge and will present any manner of propaganda to suppress it.

This is a good book to read to learn a bit more about the organization. Also, if you are a conspiracy theorist, I would recommend reading this for balance.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Comprehensive, Well-Written History, May 12, 2002

By 

Erik L. Arneson (Medford, OR USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Freemasons: A History of the World's Most Powerful Secret Society (Hardcover)

Freemasonry is an incredibly broad topic, and I'm impressed by Ridley's ability to tackle it with such skill. This book is very much a recounting of the last 400 years of European and American history, exploring the influences and inclusions of Freemasonry through the most influential persons and events of the time.

Ridley does tend to jump around quite a bit, and in places it's difficult to tell if you're still reading about the same country and century as you were in the previous paragraph. And in several cases he seems to be slightly confused regarding Masonic symbolism. For example, he refers at least twice to the "name of the Masonic god" revealed in the Royal Arch degree. Perhaps things are different on his side of the Atlantic, but over here in the American Royal Arch, we don't specify anything or anyone as a "Masonic god".

Aside from these tiny quibbles, the book is great. I would recommend it as a valuable addition to any Masonic library. While it perhaps doesn't make a great introduction to Masonry, it will serve well as a reference and detailed Masonic history. Thank you, Mr. Ridley, for your great work.