Additional Editor Is Harold Van Buren Voorhis.

Take the mystery out of the Freemasons Fascinated by Freemasons? Freemasons For Dummies is the internationally bestselling introduction to the Masons, the oldest and largest "secret society" in the world. This balanced, eye-opening guide demystifies Freemasonry, explaining everything from its elaborate rituals and cryptic rites, to its curious symbols and their meanings. With new and improved content, including updated examples and references throughout, this new edition of Freemasons For Dummies provides the most straightforward, non-intimidating guide to the subject on the market. Updated expert coverage of the basic beliefs and philosophy behind Freemasonry Revised information on the history of the society, including updates concerning its founding, famous historical members, and pivotal events New coverage devoted to the recent influx of younger membership The latest and ongoing controversies and myths surrounding Freemasonry The role of women in a Masonic organization, including opportunities for women to participate in Freemasonry The effects cultural and political changes and worldwide events are having on the organization If you're intrigued by the mystery that surrounds the Masons, get ready to learn the facts about this ancient order in Freemasons For Dummies.

An exploration of Freemasonry and its history, philosophy, symbols and practices.

Discover the remarkable history of the most widely known secretive fraternal organization in A Dictionary of Freemasonry. This comprehensive and convenient one-volume text includes a thorough encyclopedia, full dictionary of symbols, and over 300 beautiful nineteenth-century engravings. The 600-year-old brotherhood of Freemasons is based on a tradition over 3,000 years old. Robert Macoy, a member of the order, uses the resources of the Fraternity available to him, to discern the truth from a myriad of half-truths, rumors, superstitions, and interpretations. He presents the rise and evolution of Freemasonry and its kindred association both ancient and modern. The "General History of Freemasonry," which begins this volume, is a fascinating introduction to a very complicated subject often fraught with vagaries. The two A-to-Z reference works that follow (one an encyclopedia with listings of terms, people, places, and events that make up the extensive history of the Freemasons, and the other a dictionary of symbols) contribute to making this a very complete sourcebook on Freemasonry. From Aaron, the Abelites, and the All-Seeing Eye to the Year of Masonry, Zenith, and the Rite of Zinnendorf, this is a remarkably accessible book on a subject that runs through the course of human history. Robert Macoy (1815-1895), well known for his role in establishing the Order of the Eastern Star, earned the 33° and held many important positions with the Fraternity, such as past Deputy Grand Master and Grand Secretary of New York, as well as Grand Recorder of the Grand Commandery of New York. Founder of one of the largest Masonic publishing, regalia, and supply houses, he published extensively on Freemasonry and authored a number of books, including The Book of the Lodge and True Masonic Guide.

This book, a product of collaboration and cooperation between two non-Masonic historians and the Grand Lodge of Virginia, is an objective, comprehensive study of the history of Freemasonry in the state of Virginia. The authors relate a fascinating chronicle of Freemasonry, from its British origins two hundred years ago to today. Along the way, they describe the colorful figures who populate this history and debunk many myths about Freemasonry.

This study considers the institution of Freemasonry from the point of view of both masons and their critics, as well as from the author's own. In the first section, it gives an outline of masonic history, from the foundation of the Grand Lodge in Covent Garden in 1717 through its major role in Enlightenment Europe and the American War of Independence, its many tribulations and schisms in the 19th century to the present day. The book looks at one of the main sources of masonic history, Anderson's "Constitutions", which documents masonic practice and the masons' mythical history back to Hiram Abiff, the first Master Mason in the reign of King Solomon.