Symbols of Freemasonry (Beliefs Symbols) [Hardcover]

Daniel Beresniak (Author), Laziz Hamani (Photographer)

Book Description

Series: Beliefs Symbols | Publication Date: September 2000

There are over ten million freemasons in the world. The supposed power of their occult network is often feared, and yet freemasonry is not a closed doctrine. Richly illustrated, Symbols of Freemasonry provides a synthesis of one of mankind's oldest existing secular brotherhoods. It is designed both for the initiated and for newcomers interested in gaining a better understanding of this fascinating but often misrepresented society.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 128 pages
• Publisher: Assouline Publishing (September 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 2843232015
• ISBN-13: 978-2843232015
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 6.8 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #962,179 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars *small* book, December 26, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Symbols of Freemasonry (Beliefs Symbols) (Hardcover)

I bought this book as a present for my husband. I agree with many of the positive reviews that have already been written. This is indeed a book with wonderful pictures rich in detail, and there is quite good explanation to the meaning behind the symbols. However....when I had viewed the excerpts on Amazon, I expected the book to be larger in size. The pictures are indeed beautiful, but they turned out to be quite small. In addition, the text is so small and difficult to read (geez, 6 pt font???). This book is approximately 21cm x 16.5 cm (8.2 x 6.5 inches).

22 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful (!!!) FM Symbolism--Treasured Collector's item !, September 29, 2001

By 

Frater V "The Truth is Absolutely Not Absolut... (Louisville, KY) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Symbols of Freemasonry (Beliefs Symbols) (Hardcover)

Even if you never intend to read this book, buy it for the Beautiful Symbolism ! This little Book has absolutely Astounding, Full-Color Pictures--many of-which I have never seen, before. The Book is worth owning for the picture of the RC Cross Apron, alone. However, the other Apron Photos are quite Fascinating. The Lodge pictures are beautiful. Anyone with any interest in Freemasonry will treasure this book. The Full-Color photos are amazing. This book was written by a French Mason, so some of the content will be new to others--but, the rest is Universal.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A beautiful depiction of continental craft, June 23, 2005

By 

John T. Miller IV (Columbus, GA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Symbols of Freemasonry (Beliefs Symbols) (Hardcover)

Freemasonry is mankind's oldest existing fraternal brotherhood with a presence weaving its way through millennia of history. Its past members include kings, presidents, chancellors, military leaders, and heads of business. It has been home to writers, philosophers, the world's greatest composers, and men of all shapes, sizes, and colors, both humble and notorious. This work features the symbols and icons that have attracted these people to this ancient order along with the deeper philosophy and ethos they represent.

It is important to note two things regarding this work. Firstly this rendition is extremely specific to European craft in general and the masonry of France in particular. As my fellow brothers undoubtedly know there are subtle derivations and departures between the work of France and that of the Grand Lodges of the United States, however regardless of your nationality you will find this book both beautiful and enlightening. Second, if you're looking to learn the "secrets" of Master masons without joining our organization, this book will not reveal them to you. Nothing that is found within is not readily available from other sources. If you want to be one, ask one.

Berensiak's Symbols of Freemasonry is a gorgeous book. Its visuals are an eclectic mix of wonderfully photographed symbols and items to beautiful full page renditions of famous works of art. My only complaint is the books physical size; I would have liked to it be a larger "coffee table" size work that could be prominently displayed.