Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #55278 in Books
• Published on: 2005-10-04
• Released on: 2005-10-04
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 144 pages

Customer Reviews

A Good Coffee Table Book
This book is not meant to be extensive in its coverage nor deep in its scope. However, it is a nice coffee table book about Freemasonry that could grace any table of any Mason. It is certainly lavishly illustrated.

An excellent book on Freemasonry
This is an excellent book that details the history of Freemasonry. My father and grandfather were Freemasons, but I did not have the opportunity to discuss with them the subject of the history of Freemasonry. After I became a Mason I began reading books on this subject and there are many. Johnstone's "The Freemasons: An Illustrated Book of an Ancient Brotherhood" is an excellent and well-written book. The history of Freemasonry is intriguing. Although the Grand Lodge of England was founded in 1717 most historians agree that Freemasonry, as it exists today, originated from the stonemason guilds of the middle ages. These stonemasons were elite skilled laborers, who built castles, cathedrals, and other structures. Some of the symbols of Freemasonry are from that era. Some historians believe the roots of Freemasonry are in Bavaria. There are a number of theories on this.

Freemasonry spread throughout Europe to the American colonies. A number of our founding fathers, including George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Paul Revere, and John Hancock, were Freemasons. It is fascinating to read how Masons were involved in everything from the signing of the Declaration of Independence to the laying of cornerstones of some of the most famous buildings in Washington D.C. It has been said that a fraternity can be judged by its members and this too is addressed in Johnstone's book. Among notable Freemasons are 14 United States Presidents, four of who were from Ohio. The information in this book will help any reader better understand the history of Freemasonry and appreciate how Masons helped build this country.

Where is my Blue Cover...
Another book filled with information, but I received a red covered book instead of the blue cover I wanted...