This Is A New Release Of The Original 1922 Edition.

This Is A New Release Of The Original 1874 Edition.

Freemasonry is an ancient secret society shrouded in obscurity. Fascination with the mysteries of the Masons reached a fevered pitch after the release of Dan Brown’s novels Angels and Demons, The Da Vinci Code, and The Lost Symbol. But these novels and their related movies raised more questions than they answered. The Complete Idiot’s Guide® to Freemasonry, Second Edition, fills readers in on the truths behind the mysteries. In it, readers get: - A fact-filled overview of the birth and beginnings of Freemasonry, including its relationship to the Knights Templar and Egypt. - Fascinating facts about famous Masons. - An explanation of the various Masonic organizations, such as the York and Scottish rites, and the Shriners. - A behind-the-scenes look at what really goes on in a Masonic lodge, including initiations. - A new walking tour of Washington, DC, pointing out the hidden Masonic symbols featured in The Lost Symbol. - Scripts for Masonic rituals, giving a flavor of the language used in such ceremonies. - A field guide to Masonic symbols and regalia, with photos and explanations of significance. - The history behind Masonic philanthropic efforts and youth groups. - A history of African-American Freemasonry and the role of women in Masonic organizations.

J. D. Buck explains and demystifies Freemasonry in this illustrated account of the secret society, their ritual practices and use of symbols to communicate their ideas. The author speaks in favor of the ethical principles and ideas of the Masons; their insistence upon moral rectitude and good behavior of its members supports the idea that Masonry aims to cultivate the highest virtues of humankind. Such preservation of humanity's greatest strengths is to be applauded: writing in the early 20th century, the author muses on the social and economic upheavals in a world that has rapidly changed amid industrialization. Addressing public curiosity on the links between Freemasonry and the ancient lore of the occult is one of Buck's primary aims. The various ancient mysteries dating back to the time when Egypt was under the rule of the Pharaohs are examined. We discover how the modern Masonic principles of liberty, equality and fraternity relate and reconcile with the symbology present in the lodges around the world. Together with Masonic texts, the author also spoke with Masons and conducted research into ancient civilizations. Thus, Mystic Masonry is an authoritative and fulfilling guide to the subject.