Post by Tamrin on Aug 21, 2008 16:46:46 GMT 10
BOOKS!!!
(courtesy W. Bro. Gordon J. Row, January 1995)
(courtesy W. Bro. Gordon J. Row, January 1995)
Recently I was asked what were some reasonably priced books on Freemasonry, preferably something up-to-date, about today's Freemasonry. So I looked at the shelves of my library and selected those books I consider a good foundation on which to build a personal library.
The best "primer" for the new Freemason (the M.M.) — as well as one of many years' standing — is Bernard E. Jones' "Freemasons' Guide and Compendium"; it is both historical and up-to-date in content (as much as Freemasonry can be up-to-date!).
"Masonic Ritual" by Dr. E.H. Cartwright is a useful guide to the Craft Ritual in general and is a good commentary of Ritual and Floor Ceremonial. The book took 40 years to write — so it was not hastily prepared.
"The Freemason at Work" by H. Carr is, as its title implies, a work book containing over 200 questions and answers asked of the author when he was Secretary of Quatuor Coronati Lodge No. 2076, The Premier Research Lodge in the world. It is very broad in content.
"English Masonic Exposures (1760 to 1769)" by A.C.F. Jackson and includes the full transcripts of "Three Distinct Knocks" (1760); "Jachin and Boaz" (1762); "Shibboleth" (1765) as well as commentaries on these exposures. Also contains much historical content.
"Symbolism in Craft Freemasonry" by Colin Dyer. Freemasonry makes use of a great deal of symbolism — a high proportion of which is open to speculation. But by the same token, much of the symbolism in ritual has its use in teaching the principles and tenets of Freemasonry.
"Masons and Masonry", edited by George Draffen of Newington, is a collection of selected feature articles from the Grand Lodge of Scotland's Year Books 1953 to 1972.
"King Solomon's Temple in the Masonic Tradition". Alex Horne deals with King Solomon's Temple and its place in Masonic Ritual and Philosophy. It covers the building of the edifice; its Architectural Detail as well as the "Builders" of the Temple.
"The Collected Prestonian Lectures" are three volumes covering the period 1925 to 1987. Each lecture is on a Masonic subject, given by the invited speaker, and is of a high technical nature.
"Beyond the Craft" by K.B. Jackson, a small book giving short, readable notes on some 17 other Orders and Degrees all of which require Craft membership, and, in some cases, for some Orders further Masonic requirements are needed for membership.
"A Pilgrim's Path" by J.J. Robinson, is a personal experience of a Medieval History Researcher who was led by his studies to the Craft. The story is dramatic and true. Bro. J.J. Robinson was raised to a M.M., shortly before he died, on his hospital bed by M.W. Bro. H. ray Evans, G.M. of the Grand Lodge of Ohio. His other books, "Born in Blood" and "Dungeon, Fire and Sword" are also worth reading.
Other books of interest are "Masonic World Guide" by K. Henderson — a complete guide to the Masonic World. For the travelling Freemason. "Workman Unashamed" by C. Haffner is the testimony of a Christian Freemason. "Sword and Grail" by Andrew Sinclair, an interesting history reference to the Knights Templar in Scotland.
These latter books are suggested reading for the more advanced Freemason.
