I enjoy reading good books & was wondering what would be another good book to read regarding the topic of FreeMasonry & its history. I have just finished “The Lost Keys of FreeMasonry” by Manly P. Hall which also included his other works “FreeMasonry of The Ancient Egyptians” & “Masonic Orders of Fraternity”

born in blood is a good one.

I am also a fan of Carl Claudy although from what I have read of him they are less about the history of the fraternity and more about its character.

The most amazing book that I have read, regarding history (American History) is this book:

“American Freemasons: Three Centuries of Building Communities”—- by Mark Tabbert.

It starts around 1717 in England, when Masonry came to America, and goes into detail about George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, numerous signers of the Declaration of Independence.  It has a big story about President Harry Truman (Grand Master of Missouri) and how he practiced the catechisms behind his horses, plowing his farm fields.  And how during the 1948 election, Harry Truman met a father & son on a train somewhere on the campaign trail, and the father mentioned to Harry Truman that his son was going to the lodge in town that evening for his initiation as an EA.  Harry Truman was so enthused by it, that he actually took a break from the campaign, ditched the secret service, and attended the lodge ceremony of that man’s son!  The book also talks all about the differences regarding the York Rite, Scottish Rite, and the Shriners.  It is a fascinating book and incredibly rich in history.  Look for it at your local library or bookstore!

Many thanks to all. “Born in Blood” by John Robinson was suggested to me about 3 times so I think its a definite buy. A few others recommended are:

Duncan’s Ritual Of Freemasonry by Malcolm C. Duncan
Turning The Hiram Key by Robert Lomas
Solomon’s Builders by Christopher Hodapp
The Hiram Key by Christopher Knight

Has anyone read any of the above?

My favorite Masonic book is “A Pilgrim’s Path” by John Robinson.  Mr. Robinson wanted to write a definitive book on Masonry, and since he was an outsider, he felt he could be totally objective, and not bring any pre-conceived ideas to the task. He succeeded tremendously.

He researched the topic fully, and wrote the book. When he concluded his research, he was so impressed with Masonry, that he decided to petition the Craft.

I believe that “A Pilgrim’s Path”, is possibly the finest book about Masonry, ever written by a non-Mason.

Omar.G1978 - 26 February 2010 06:46 PM

Many thanks to all. “Born in Blood” by John Robinson was suggested to me about 3 times so I think its a definite buy. A few others recommended are:

Duncan’s Ritual Of Freemasonry by Malcolm C. Duncan
Turning The Hiram Key by Robert Lomas
Solomon’s Builders by Christopher Hodapp
The Hiram Key by Christopher Knight

Has anyone read any of the above?

Duncan’s Ritual deals with ritual of English Masonry, so if you are an American some of it may seems strange to you. Also, it is well known to contain factual errors about ritual.  I religiously stay away from and written by Lomas or Knight as one is not a Mason and the other seems to have an axe to grind. Solomon’s Builders is a great book which I highly recommend. Its an easy read, fun, informative and really gives you a great idea about the role of Freemasonry in the creation of United States.  Im about to order Born in Blood so I dont know about that one yet.

Another classic is W.L. Wilmshurst’s “Meaning of Masonry.” Again, it is written from a English point of view, but I think it should be required reading for all Masons and it has a wonderful take on the philosophy of Freemasonry and its role in a man’s life. Its a 5 star must read as far as I am concerned.

There is also a book called Workmen Unashamed by Christopher Haffner. Again an English former Mason who left the Craft when he was forced by the Anglican Church to chose between Masonry and being excommunicated from his faith. The reason the book is wonderful is that it systamatically takes apart the Christian arguments of some members of that faith tradition that Masonry is not compatible with Christianity and it does so using Christianity’s own teachings. Its a bit dense and can be difficult to read in parts, but it you can wade through it its got some fantastic information that should be in the knowledge base of any Brother.

I ALWAYS derail and read up on the Knights Templar. Because of the rumors it seems like I am asked about them more than Freemasonry so the topic is always fresh. I love history and that may be of interest to you as well.

While it is not a book, I would recommend checking to see if your Grand Lodge has a publication as an e-zine or otherwise. These can be a great insight into the work, both the Grand Lodge and member Lodges in your jurisdiction, are undertaking. The Grand Lodge of Ohio, for example, publishes “The Beacon” bi-monthly. You can view the current issue and archived issues on the Grand Lodge of Ohio website http://www.freemason.com.

I recently purchased “Born In Blood” by John Robinson and I haven’t been able to put the book down! I am intrigued with his knowledge & facts of historical events which in many ways still affect today’s times. I find myself picturing the events & at times placing myself there as the stories play out. Simply amazing. Any other recommendations are greatly appreciated!

Thanks