Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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47 of 50 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Well-written Introduction to the History & Practice of Freemasonry, May 16, 2006
Like most of the books in the `Complete Idiot's Guide' series, Dr. S. Brent Morris,' "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Freemasonry" gives a well-written overview and introduction to its topic: the history and practice of Freemasonry.
The book is divided into five major sections, consisting of 18 chapters and additional appendices.
Part 1: The Basic Organization of Freemasonry
1. What Is Freemasonry
2. The Birth of the Masonic Fraternity
3. The Beginnings of American Freemasonry
4. The Emergence of Modern American Masonry
5. African American Freemasonry
6. Masonic Regularity
Part 2: The Eastern Star, the York Rite, and the Scottish Rite
7. Woman and Freemasonry
8. The York Rite
9. The Scottish Rite
Part 3: Building Higher, Having Fun, and Doing More
10. Even More Masonic Organizations
11. Masonic "Fun" and Youth Groups
12. Masonic Philanthropies
Part 4: Masonic Myths and Misunderstandings
13. Albert Pike: Sovereign Pontiff of Masonic Mythology
14. Searching for Hidden Masonic Symbols
15. Masonic Mythology: Knights Templar and Egypt
16. Religious Concerns About Freemasonry
Part 5: A Field Guide to Masonic Symbols and Jewelry
17. Masonic Symbols
18. Masonic Regalia
Appendixes:
A. Glossary
B. Further Reading, Websites, and Contact Information
C. Masonic Rituals
D. Famous Freemasons
Index
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Freemasonry is well-written and easy to read, being easily read from cover to cover within a single day. While one may certainly choose to read the book from cover to cover (I did), it is also a book that serves as a useful reference of Masonic facts and trivia, history and practice.
Dr. Morris explains the Symbolic, Blue or Craft Lodges covering the first three degrees of Freemasonry. And gives us a look into the associated bodies such as the Royal Arch Masons, Cryptic Masons, and Commanderies of Knights Templar within the York Rite, and 4th through 33rd Degrees of the Scottish Rite. We also learn of women and Freemasonry, with such associated groups as The Order of the Eastern Star and the Order of Amaranth. And mention is given to co-masonry and the Order of Women Freemasons.
We learn of the research lodges and societies, such as the: Quatuor Coronati Lodge, the National Masonic Research Society, and the Philalethes Society. And we learn of other Masonic Groups such as the Royal Order of Scotland, the Masonic Societas Rosicruciana in Civitatibus Foederatis, and National Sojourners.
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Freemasonry also has fun and interesting bits of trivia and Masonic facts that give one a bit more insight into different parts of the Craft. For example what's the connection between Freemasons and Rolling Rock Beer (find out on page 188 - 189).
The author of The Complete Idiot's Guide to Freemasonry, Dr. S. Brent Morris, is the managing editor of the `Scottish Rite Journal', a 33-degree Mason, and on the graduate faculty at George Washington University. Eminently well qualified to write this book, Dr. Morris has given us a book that makes a worthy addition to any Freemason's library, as well as a fine introduction to the Craft for any good man who seeks some additional understanding of the rites of Freemasonry when considering making a petition for acceptance into his local Masonic Lodge.
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22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The BEST book on Freemasonry, July 15, 2006
Dr. Morris has done the world of Freemasonry a great service by writing this book and, through his erudition and scholarship, he has also advanced the cause of knowledge and learning generally, for which everyone ought to be thankful. This is by far the BEST, one volume reference book on Freemasonry published to date. It is an excellent, all purpose book. It covers all aspect of American and international Freemasonry, it discusses, history, rituals, anti-Masonry, and even includes a photo section classifying and explaining a wide assortment of Masonic symbols, emblems, and regalia. Perfect for the non-Mason who wants to know "what's really going on," perfect for the new Master Mason seeking more light, and equally perfect for longtime members of the Craft who have forgotten more than they knew, and wish to have a handy, easy to read but astonishingly thorough book on hand. Thank you, Brent Morris, for this superbly done book. Highly recommended to all!
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9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A true expert's incisive viewpoint, May 29, 2007
I'm acquainted with the author and know first-hand what an astonishing wealth of information is in his head -- not to mention the information to which he has access through his connections within the fraternity. In this book, you are getting, admittedly, an overview -- the tip of the iceberg -- but the book also provides generous glimpses at the large amount of the iceberg that exists beneath the surface. As a non-Mason, I gained great insight into the workings and background of the Masonic fraternity as well as its role in history. Now that I'm acquainted with many other Masonic works, I can't imagine a better introduction.
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