Customer Reviews

The Secrets of the Freemasons

5 star:		(0)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I expected from the description of the book to see more detail than what I received. If you look at the dimensions of the book, you see it's 196 very small pages. What you don't see is that a high percentage of the book is pictures and diagrams. Much of the information is very repetitive, even on the same page. The author uses little outtakes of the text that is on the page to highlight the pages, but there is so little information on each page that this isn't necessary. The writing style is informative, but on the level of a grade school textbook. The information given is presented in an accurate, fair and educated manner, but is very superficial leaving the reader with a feeling of being shortchanged. While reading this book, which took very little time, I have the impression that the author did extensive research to gain this degree of accuracy, and I don't see much excuse in not presenting a lot more of the information. I have the gut feeling that much of it was edited out to make it fit in a small book, when an extensive text might have been more appropriate. In all, my guess is that all the information in the book would fit in about 40 or so full pages of text. I give it 3 stars because the data are accurate and fair, and the price fits the size of the book, and because I am feeling generous today.

I consider this book informative and insightful. But there are certain things that only Lodge members should keep 'secret', disclosing everything takes away from the mysteries of the organization...

This book is not for you if you truly want to know about freemasonry. It offers no real insight into the world of the Freemasons except what you expect to read in a brochure from the order. Which leads me to believe that this was exactly the plan all along. The author either has never read Morals and Dogma or chooses to ignore Pikes statements like, "Every Masonic Lodge is a temple of religion; and its teachings are instruction in religion." (Morals and Dogma, p.213)or "Lucifer, the Light-bearer! Strange and mysterious name to give to the Spirit of Darkness! Lucifer, the Son of the Morning! Is it he who bears the Light, and with its splendors intolerable blinds feeble, sensual, or selfish Souls? Doubt it not!" (Morals and Dogma, p.321). I know its there,I read it. Save your money..buy a real critique. This was an obvious publicity campaign financed by (G)ramercy (I bet I know who ultimately owns that company), thats been going on in the media for the last few years...right history channel?...lol..

It is fun to read and learn the secrets and mystery of the Freemasons in the Western civilization. It helps answer the long tradition and history of brotherhood in terms of rituals, signs, symbols and even handshakes. This book in a few pages related the connections with Scottish Rite and Shriners. It included a list of who is and who is not in America, especially the presidents.

This book pointed out facts and myth in the internet age with highlights in music, literature, movies and televisions with a few jokes. The last few pages talked about becoming a Freemason who is expected to help brethren in terms of need, and that they will likewise return.

I notice that Chinese "tong " organizations are permitted to use the term Chinese Freemason and the symbols of compass and square and letter G since Gold Rush among the violet anti-Chinese acts. It must have been a secret handshake for the fraternity.