I find this book to be an interesting little conundrum: certainly one would think that the author would have been guilty of violating that part of their obligation to “not print, paint, stamp, [etc.]” the secrets of Freemasonry (see page 34 of the present volume), but I am very glad he did so.
As a Masonic writer and researcher, it is my desire to discuss the rituals of Masonry with the general population, but as a Freemason myself, I am bound under a similar obligation to not reveal the particulars of the ritual with which I was initiated. This little book is the answer to that paradox! Those who know will recognize this as an authentic Masonic ritual which, though being outdated and somewhat archaic, retains the morals and flavor of the modern Work. On the other hand, it reveals significant differences from that of my jurisdiction, allowing me to reference and quote passages of ritual without going back on my word. In fact, although it all has the same general content, even the specifics of modern Masonic ritual vary greatly between territories (such as states or countries, each of which potentially having a different Grand Lodge that has jurisdiction over the area) meaning that this ritual--all rituals in fact, even the one I am familiar with--would not be universally applicable as Masonic Tradition requires that the ritual must conform to that of the local Grand Lodge and be as word-perfect as humanly possible. (Don’t believe me? Read page 147 of the present volume.)
Thus, one could rightly deduce that this book would be useless for someone trying to impersonate a Freemason or gain admission into a lodge without being initiated. Indeed, modern technology allows us to keep detailed records and provide written proof of membership which the pretender will be conspicuously without (I have personally barred such imposters from lodge for this very reason). Furthermore, it is thus also useless for Masons who want to better learn their own ritual. It is my own personal belief that the Masonic Work should remain as much of an oral tradition as the modern sensibility will allow. As is evidenced by performers, the vast majority of humanity has the potential to memorize ponderous amounts of data with a high level of accuracy, but with the ready availability of books and computers, we rarely do so. But how empowering is it, both exoterically and esoterically, to succeed in this task!
In conclusion, I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the history of the ritual of Freemasonry and to members who would like to quote it without breaking their obligation. To me, it is a Godsend! I would also recommend it to anyone who is related to a Mason and wants to better understand that man’s involvement in the order. Concerning the Dover edition: as is my general experience with this publisher, it is sufficiently well-produced and affordable, making it similarly recommended.
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Tommo
Duncan's Ritual of Freemasonry
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 22, 2012
