Customer Reviews

The History and Symbolism of Royal Arch Masonry

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This is one of the best, concise, comprehensive, short, and straight to the point, books on Royal Arch Masonry ever written, anywhere, at anytime, hands down. I think many Brethren donot have it because it was locally published and they simply donot know about it. Mr. Graham writes about Royal Arch Masonry from personal experience and from the heart! He knows it is "The root and marrow" of our Ancient Craft and this fact is conveyed expertly in this small book. He knows Royal Arch Masonry is the completion of Blue Lodge Masonry! He knows his symbolism and understands the personal responsibilty, commitment, value, and honor of being a Past High Priest of this wonderful and highly important body of Masonic knowledge and practice. Finally, as an added bonus, Mr. Graham shares knowledge of the differences between European Royal Arch Masonic practice and American Royal Arch Masonic practice. It simply does not get any better than this! Very Highly Recommended!

I think this book is ok. I am a RAM and felt this would extend my library and knowledge. Overall I feel that it did give me some new tid bits of knowledge. I was however disappointed with how the book was organized and felt that it detracted from the overall value of the book.

The History and Symbolism of Royal Arch Masonry by Edward R. Graham is an excellent book that clearly explains the Royal Arch degrees (Mark Master, Past Master, Most Excellent Master, and Royal Arch Mason), how they came about, their correct chronological order when integrated on a timeline with the Craft degrees, and the unique symbolism of each degree. The author also explains each degree from the historical and symbolic perspectives.

My favorite two parts were the explanation of the actual chronology of the Craft and Capitular degrees if examined on an integrated timeline, and the explanation of the symbolism behind the colors of the veils and their corresponding banners. There is a lot of valuable information in this book and the author presents it in a very readable fashion.

This is a good book for new Royal Arch Masons to read. I'd recommend it within the first year after being made a Royal Arch Mason to help them understand the historic significance of their R.A.M milestone.