Genesis of Freemasonry [Hardcover]

David Harrison (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 14, 2009

This book is a revealing but thoroughly enjoyable journey through the intricate history of English Freemasonry. Historian Dr. David Harrison reconstructs the hidden history of the movement, tracing its roots through a mixture of mediaeval guild societies, alchemy and necromancy. He examines the earliest known Freemasons and their obsessions with Solomon s Temple, alchemy, and prophecy, to the formation of the Grand Lodge in London, which in turn led to rebellions within the Craft throughout England. Harrison also analyzes the role of French immigrant, Dr Jean Theophilus Desaguliers in the development of English Freemasonry, focusing on his involvement with the formation of the mysterious modern Masonic ritual. All Freemasons and more general readers will find much of interest in this fascinating exploration of the very beginnings of Freemasonry, still one of the most mysterious brotherhoods in the world.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Dr David Harrison has written on the history of Freemasonry for a number of magazines and journals. His article on the Masonic rebellion in Liverpool recently appeared in Freemasonry Today: The Best of Ten Years Symbols and Mysteries. He has worked as a history lecturer for ten years and researched the complex and hidden history of English Freemasonry for his PhD at the University of Liverpool, where he is currently lecturing.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 244 pages
• Publisher: Lewis Masonic (May 14, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0853183228
• ISBN-13: 978-0853183228
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #97,141 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #41 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Other Practices > Freemasonry

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Genesis of Freemasonry-Revealing, Informative & Truly Fascinating...., January 24, 2010

By 

Debi May "Star" (United Kingdom) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Genesis of Freemasonry (Hardcover)

The Genesis of Freemasonry-A 'must read' for anyone interested in history or the true origins of this fascinating society......

This is a well written, informative & fully researched book that is a credit to the hard-work & dedication of Dr David Harrison. It traces the very beginnings of this secret society and mentions historic Freemasons such as Elias Ashmole, Alexander Pope & Sir Christopher Wren. It talks of the influence these founding men had on the society & explains the significance behind the early Masonic rituals....

This book has inspired & sparked a curiosity within me to discover more on this most intriguing subject.....

I would definately award it with 5 stars & fully recommend it anyone...

I would also recommend the following DVD tracing the origins of this craft-also available from Amazon: The Origin of Freemasonry: Where Did it All Begin

Dr Harrison's much awaited follow-up book 'The Transformation of Freemasonry' is now also available to buy from Amazon, follow this link to discover more: The Transformation of Freemasonry

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Genesis of Freemasonry - Secrets Revealed, June 10, 2009

By 

Vilma "Vamp" (New England) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Genesis of Freemasonry (Hardcover)

The Genesis of Freemasonry by Dr. David Harrison

This stellar book is a well written documented history of the beginnings of Freemasonry during the late seventeenth century and throughout eighteenth century England. The author Historian Dr. David Harrison takes you on a fascinating journey through all the little nuances of the Craft.

Exploring the roots of Freemasonry and all it's degrees, the lodges, Grand Lodges, and the men who became Freemasons. The book mentions men like Benjamin Franklin, Christopher Wren, Elas Ashmole, Oliver Cromwell, Jean Desaguliers, Alexander Pope and many more.

It explores the rituals, the architecture of Freemasonry, the politics of Freemasonry, the rebellion within Freemasonry, the reconciliation and the coming together under the United Grand Lodge of England. It Shows how the Craft evolved and how it used elements of architecture, science, mathematics, poetry, art, magic, alchemy and astronomy as it's foundation. The author discusses the three transitions of English Freemasonry and the cultural impact of the Craft.

Most will find this book very informative on a subject which has long been filled with secrecy. Packed with facts and fascinating photos this book is a serious look into the world of Freemasonry. I highly recommend it. 5 stars all around! Nice one to add to your book library.

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic book, March 27, 2011

By 

magic mistress "magic mistress" (UK) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Genesis of Freemasonry (Hardcover)

This is a fantastic first work by the leading UK Masonic historian Dr. Harrison. It looks at the origins of Freemasonry - exploring the mystical influences of alchemy and the obsessions for the search for the true dimensions of Solomon's Temple during the seventeenth century in England. From Elias Ashmole to Jean Theophilus Desaguliers - the book is brimming full of philosophical and magical influences such as alchemy and the Metaphysical Poets that came together with organised stone masonry to contribute to early Freemasonry and culminated in the foundation of the founding of the London Grand Lodge in 1717 and the development of the three degree ritual. This led to rebellions in the Craft with the formation of the Antients in 1751, and Harrison deals with the schism in English Freemasonry with a balanced view to create a fascinating historical analysis. He continues this excellent style in his follow-up work The Transformation of Freemasonry. Well worth 5 stars.