Magnum Opus or the Great Work [Facsimile] [Paperback]

Albert Pike (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 1992

Now available after 135 years! One of the rarest and most important books ever published on the Ancient and Accepted (Scottish) Rite of Freemasonry-Albert Pike's Magnum Opus or 'Great Work," being his first revision of the complete rituals of the Scottish Rite. Only 100 copies were printed-less than thirty are said to survive. Pike's ritualistic revisions were so impressive he was made an active member of the Supreme Council and became the most revered Sovereign Grand Commander in the history of the Rite. Thanks to the generous loan of a copy from a European antiquarian, this special reprint makes available to the serious student the complete authentic rituals which served as the foundation of the Scottish Rite's philosophy. This invaluable work is not to be confused with either the various ritualistic 'exposures" of anti-Masons, or the rituals currently used by either American Scottish Rite. The Magnum Opus contains Albert Pike's complete, original text of the Scottish Rite degrees. Some of Pike's rituals were used by other Supreme Councils as a foundation for their own practices; while more recently the Supreme Council 33°, Southern Masonic Jurisdiction, U.S.A. has appointed a committee to revise the current Pike rituals. The Magnum Opus allows researchers to trace the divergence to discover shifts in Masonic symbolism. An invaluable reference aid and research tool, the scarcity and cost of an original copy placed it beyond the reach of almost all Masonic bibliophiles. This affordable facsimile reprint places Masonic knowledge where it belongs-in the hands of those seeking Light. Although similar to the current rituals used by the Scottish Rite, it is slightly different and more esoteric. We have also included for the first time ever, the grips and signs, and the key to the "Secret Work." Very essential and rare! Contents: Fourth Degree, Secret Master; Fifth Degree, Perfect Master; Sixth Degree, Confidential Secretary; Seventh Degree, Provost and Ju

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Product Details

• Paperback: 660 pages
• Publisher: Kessinger Publishing, LLC; Facsimile of 1857 ed edition (January 1, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1564592456
• ISBN-13: 978-1564592453
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.1 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,552,757 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars a good reference, February 12, 2000

By 

PT - See all my reviews

This review is from: Magnum Opus or the Great Work (Paperback)

The lectures are actually earlier versions of what went into _morals and dogma_. so what makes this interesting are the rituals... but there is no 33 degree ritual unfortunately. I have heard the ones used today are a lot different. kinda pricy for a photocopy reprint, but still well worth it.

5 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A feast for Freemasonry addicts!, September 4, 2005

By 

Girl Mystic (San Anselmo, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Magnum Opus or the Great Work (Paperback)

Thank you Kessinger Publishing for making such a rare and exceptional tome available! Besides fascinating reading, Pike delves wholeheartedly into the essence of Scottish Rite rituals. An enormously influential proclamation on Freemasonry. It captures your attention and doesn't let go. A very worthwhile reprint!

4 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Pike was a theosophist, June 2, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Magnum Opus or the Great Work (Paperback)

Pike was actually charge with the responsiblity of rewriting the 4-33 degree by the Soveriegn commander of the rite. In reading Pike's work I can see how people think that Freemasonry is evil.
He entered a lot of pagan or occult theosophy into the degrees. It is and interesting read but I only read the interesting parts and leave the Occult parts alone. For example early rits of the Knight of the sun degree was biblical, but pike changed the characters to deities such as Bel and Mithra. For a more pure read of A.A.S.R read the Francken Manuscript. I gave a 1 rating because Pike is not my favorite person.