Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1108105 in Books
• Published on: 2006-10-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 256 pages

From Publishers Weekly
Jeffers' follow-up to his 2005 historical overview Freemasons takes a look at famous Masons in America, a list that includes 14 presidents, from Washington to Ford, as well as Benjamin Franklin, Davy Crockett and Neil Armstrong. Instead of exploring the influence that the secret society may have had on men like these, however, Jeffers contents himself to recording Mason-related historical anecdotes. The most interesting take place during the Civil War, such as the story of a dying Confederate Mason assisted by a Union brother at Gettysburg after "exhibiting the Masonic sign of distress." Despite the alluring subtitle, however, there is very little here that goes "inside" the society: no secrets are revealed, though Jeffers does briefly explore the possible influence of the society on the men who drafted the Consitution, designed U.S. currency and laid out Washington, D.C. Although Jeffers avows that he is not a Mason, an undercurrent of tacit approval for the Society further betrays the promise of the title. Though it may appeal to Freemasons and their supporters, it may be off-putting to the general reader that Jeffers doesn't offer a more reasoned, skeptical or revealing take.
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Customer Reviews

If this book doesn't teach you something, your not reading hard enough.
This was a very compelling view of our nations founding under Masonic influences. It is very tangible with many refrences. It will draw you in and not let you put it down. It is a complete account of Freemasons in the Americas and even plays devils-advocate for the Masonic-haters. A must read.

Good Historical Data
Great beginning to this book. The End was a little less than to be desired. Mr. Jefferies is not a Mason, but he seems to have a good knowledge of the history of the craft. If your interested in some more memorable moments in the American birth of the Lodge, you'll enjoy this book. The ending is pretty much opinion and you can take it or leave it as you like. Aaron Whitener 32 KSA