Solomon's Builders: Freemasons, Founding Fathers and the Secrets of Washington D.C. [Paperback]

Christopher Hodapp (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 21, 2006

DID THE FREEMASONS CREATE THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA?
Step back in time to the birth of a revolutionary new republic and discover how the utopian ideals of a visionary secret society laid the foundation for the most powerful nation on earth. Follow George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, John Hancock and other Founding Fathers as they transform the democratic principles of their Masonic lodges into a radical new nation.
Solomon's Builders unravels history from myth as it takes you on a Freemason's tour of Washington, D.C. It reveals the evidence of Masonic influence during the construction of America and its new capital, including clues hidden in plain sight:

• Masonic connections to national monuments
• Puzzling pentagrams and symbolism in city streets
• Washington's temples of the "Widow's Sons"

Solomon's Builders relates the true stories of our visionary Founders, and the fascinating meaning behind the cryptic codes, enigmatic symbols and intriguing architecture that was the basis for the sequel to The Da Vinci Code, Dan Brown's novel The Lost Symbol.

About the Author
Christopher Hodapp is a Freemason and a Past Master of two Masonic Lodges. His first book, Freemasons for Dummies, is the most popular modern guide to the ancient and accepted fraternity of Freemasonry. He has appeared on the History and Discovery Channels, and recently developed episodes for "Brad Meltzer's Decoded."

Editorial Reviews

Review

Well written account of the philosophical thinking that led to the formation of a common man's democracy... The reference book that teachers need to use in their American History classes. --Karl Grube, Ph.D., Bonisteel Masonic Library, Ann Arbor, MI

One of the better books that I have seen that credits Freemasonry where credit is due... --Thomas W. Jackson, The Northern Light Magazine

What distinguishes SOLOMON'S BUILDERS from the good and bad, malicious and benevolent, is its honesty, humor and clarity . . . --Mark A. Tabbert, Author: American Freemasons

(A)n academically written book on the early days of American Freemasonry without the pretentious trappings of most scholarly treatments on the subject. --Stephen Dafoe, Author: Nobly Born

About the Author

Christopher Hodapp is a Freemason and a Past Master of two Masonic Lodges. His first book, Freemasons for Dummies, has become the most popular modern guide to the ancient and accepted fraternity of Freemasonry. He has appeared on the History and Discovery Channels, and recently developed episodes for "Brad Meltzer's Decoded." --This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 324 pages
• Publisher: Ulysses Press (December 21, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1569755795
• ISBN-13: 978-1569755792
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #82,764 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #23 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Other Practices > Freemasonry

More About the Author

Christopher L. Hodapp is the editor of the "Journal of The Masonic Society." He is the author of the best-selling "Freemasons For Dummies," and "Solomon's Builders: Freemasons, Founding Fathers and the Secrets of Washington D.C." His newest book, "Deciphering the Lost Symbol," about the symbols, rituals and locations in Dan Brown's newest novel, was released in December 2009.

He is also the co-author with Alice VonKannon of "The Templar Code For Dummies" and "Conspiracy Theories and Secret Societies For Dummies."

He is a 32° Freemason and a Knight Templar. He has appeared on the History Channel on the subject of Freemasonry and its role in the founding of the United States and the building of Washington D.C., and most recently in the Discovery Channel program, "Hunting The Lost Symbol." In 2010, he and VonKannon developed episodes for the HIstory Channel program, "Brad Meltzer's Decoded."

Hodapp has spent more than twenty-five years editing, writing and directing as a commercial filmmaker. He has written for corporate and non-profit programs, and his voice has appeared in many television and radio commercials.

Chris lives in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

37 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Factual Information on Freemasonry, February 5, 2007

By 

Dennis Wenzel (Donaldson, IN USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Solomon's Builders: Freemasons, Founding Fathers and the Secrets of Washington D.C. (Paperback)

It is refreshing to finally read a book on Freemasonry, written by a freemason. In his new book "Solomon's Builders", Christopher Hodapp presents traditions, explainations on masonry, history of famous freemasons and dispelling myths of Washington D.C. and its buildings regarding freemasons. Several recent books, fictional and non-fiction alike, have used symbols and ritual explainations of Freemasonry but wrongly or half truths. Without sharing signs or symbols reserved for those who seek Masonic membership, Hodapp brings the reader to an understanding of the Masonic world for the mason and non-mason alike.

If novels about masonry are leaving you wondering about Freemasonry, then read "Solomon's Builders" for reliable information.

29 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Deserves a prominent place in every Freemasons bookshelf, April 9, 2007

By 

John W. Ratcliff "John W. Ratcliff" (Lake Saint Louis, MO, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Solomon's Builders: Freemasons, Founding Fathers and the Secrets of Washington D.C. (Paperback)

Without question this book is sure to become a classic for Freemasons or those interested in Freemasonry. Incredibly well written based on extensive research and with a detailed bibliography to support the thesis. RWB Hodapp unfolds a tale that spans centuries of politics and characters in a smooth narrative that keeps the reader turning each page anxious to find out 'what happened next'.

Solomon's Builders covers the history and influence of Freemasonry in the founding of the United States and links the institution firmly within the enlightenment ideals that were spreading like wildfire around the globe; largely spread through Masonic lodges dispensing their own form of democracy and equality in every land.

This book is being marketed in hopes of taking advantage of the hype that will likely surround Dan Brown's next book 'Solomon's Key'. I can only encourage every person who reads Browns next work of fiction to turn to RWB Hodapp's well documented non-fiction presentation of the real story behind the myth.

29 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Solomon's Builders: An accurate origin of the founding of America, July 13, 2007

By 

Karl W. Grube "Karl W. Grube" (Ann Arbor MI USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Solomon's Builders: Freemasons, Founding Fathers and the Secrets of Washington D.C. (Paperback)

I am an active Freemason for more than 4 decades. Bro. Hodapp's work is the first well written account of the philosophical thinking that led to the formation of a common man's democracy. This is the reference book that teachers need to read and public schools use in their American History classes. There are countless books written by non-masons on the origin of America but non give credit to the Freemasons for their ideas such as freedom, public schools, constitutions, bill of rights, and government by vote of those who owned land.

Karl Grube, Ph.D., President - Bonisteel Masonic Library - Ann Arbor