The Complete Idiot's Guide to Freemasonry

by S. Brent Morris

Book Overview

In The Complete Idiot's Guide to Freemasonry , an expert author reveals the truths and dispels the myths that have surrounded the Freemasons for hundreds of years- Were the first masons 14th-century stone masons and cathedral builders, or can Freemasonry really be traced back as far as Egypt, Babylon, and Palestine? The Masonic insistence on the belief in a Supreme Being The Masons and the Knights Templar True or false- the Masons coordinated the...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1592574904
• ISBN13: 9781592574902
• Release Date: May 2006
• Publisher: Alpha Books
• Length: 334 Pages
• Weight: 1.20 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 7.4" x 9.1"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

The Compete Idiots Guide To Freemasonry

I have been a Freemason for over five years and have read over 40 Freemason related books. This book is the first one that comprehensively covers the entire Masonic field. I often lend this book to friends who are considering joining a Masonic Lodge.

A true expert's incisive viewpoint

I'm acquainted with the author and know first-hand what an astonishing wealth of information is in his head -- not to mention the information to which he has access through his connections within the fraternity. In this book, you are getting, admittedly, an overview -- the tip of the iceberg -- but the book also provides generous glimpses at the large amount of the iceberg that exists beneath the surface. As a non-Mason, I gained great insight into the workings and background of the Masonic fraternity as well as its role in history. Now that I'm acquainted with many other Masonic works, I can't imagine a better introduction.

Complete Idiot's Guide to Freemasonary

This was a Christmas gift for my husband who is very new to Masonary. He is enjoying it very much, is easy to read and also giving him lots of information he has not received thru his lodge

The BEST book on Freemasonry

Dr. Morris has done the world of Freemasonry a great service by writing this book and, through his erudition and scholarship, he has also advanced the cause of knowledge and learning generally, for which everyone ought to be thankful. This is by far the BEST, one volume reference book on Freemasonry published to date. It is an excellent, all purpose book. It covers all aspect of American and international Freemasonry, it discusses, history, rituals, anti-Masonry, and even includes a photo section classifying and explaining a wide assortment of Masonic symbols, emblems, and regalia. Perfect for the non-Mason who wants to know "what's really going on," perfect for the new Master Mason seeking more light, and equally perfect for longtime members of the Craft who have forgotten more than they knew, and wish to have a handy, easy to read but astonishingly thorough book on hand. Thank you, Brent Morris, for this superbly done book. Highly recommended to all!

A Well-written Introduction to the History & Practice of Freemasonry

Like most of the books in the `Complete Idiot's Guide' series, Dr. S. Brent Morris,' "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Freemasonry" gives a well-written overview and introduction to its topic: the history and practice of Freemasonry. The book is divided into five major sections, consisting of 18 chapters and additional appendices. Part 1: The Basic Organization of Freemasonry 1. What Is Freemasonry 2. The Birth of the Masonic Fraternity 3. The Beginnings of American Freemasonry 4. The Emergence of Modern American Masonry 5. African American Freemasonry 6. Masonic Regularity Part 2: The Eastern Star, the York Rite, and the Scottish Rite 7. Woman and Freemasonry 8. The York Rite 9. The Scottish Rite Part 3: Building Higher, Having Fun, and Doing More 10. Even More Masonic Organizations 11. Masonic "Fun" and Youth Groups 12. Masonic Philanthropies Part 4: Masonic Myths and Misunderstandings 13. Albert Pike: Sovereign Pontiff of Masonic Mythology 14. Searching for Hidden Masonic Symbols 15. Masonic Mythology: Knights Templar and Egypt 16. Religious Concerns About Freemasonry Part 5: A Field Guide to Masonic Symbols and Jewelry 17. Masonic Symbols 18. Masonic Regalia Appendixes: A. Glossary B. Further Reading, Websites, and Contact Information C. Masonic Rituals D. Famous Freemasons Index The Complete Idiot's Guide to Freemasonry is well-written and easy to read, being easily read from cover to cover within a single day. While one may certainly choose to read the book from cover to cover (I did), it is also a book that serves as a useful reference of Masonic facts and trivia, history and practice. Dr. Morris explains the Symbolic, Blue or Craft Lodges covering the first three degrees of Freemasonry. And gives us a look into the associated bodies such as the Royal Arch Masons, Cryptic Masons, and Commanderies of Knights Templar within the York Rite, and 4th through 33rd Degrees of the Scottish Rite. We also learn of women and Freemasonry, with such associated groups as The Order of the Eastern Star and the Order of Amaranth. And mention is given to co-masonry and the Order of Women Freemasons. We learn of the research lodges and societies, such as the: Quatuor Coronati Lodge, the National Masonic Research Society, and the Philalethes Society. And we learn of other Masonic Groups such as the Royal Order of Scotland, the Masonic Societas Rosicruciana in Civitatibus Foederatis, and National Sojourners. The Complete Idiot's Guide to Freemasonry also has fun and interesting bits of trivia and Masonic facts that give one a bit more insight into different parts of the Craft. For example what's the connection between Freemasons and Rolling Rock Beer (find out on page 188 - 189). The author of The Complete Idiot's Guide to Freemasonry, Dr. S. Brent Morris, is the managing editor of the `Scottish Rite Journal', a 33-degree Mason, and on the graduate faculty at George Washington University. Eminently well qualified to write this book,