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Thames and Hudson £24.95
ISBN 10 0 500 513023
ISBN 13 978 0 500 513026
Stunning is the only word to describe
this new book of 320 pages with 386
illustrations, many of them published for the
first time. But this is not just a picture book,
it is a new concept in publishing (outside art
and photography books) in which text and
illustrations have equal importance in giving
the reader an understanding of the subject
under consideration. The illustrations
combine with Kirk MacNulty’s lucid text
to give the reader, be they Mason or not,
an easily digested overview of the history,
traditions, culture, symbolism, principles
and practices of Freemasonry worldwide
and its place both in wider society and in the
history of the transmission of philosophical
ideas and ideals.
The author brings 40 years’ experience
as a thinking Freemason to his task and leads
the reader gently through the complexities
of the origins and possible early influences
on Freemasonry, the establishment of the
Grand Lodge system and development
of additional degrees and the spread of
Freemasonry around the globe.
He then turns to the inner meanings of
Craft Freemasonry – defining it as a system
of personal growth and self-knowledge –
and a basic guide to the symbols which
decorate many of the artefacts, documents
and items of regalia which form the
illustrations in the book.
Nor does he shirk the complex concepts
of Masonic secrecy and regularity, or the
problem areas of conspiracy theory, anti-
Masonry, public misperceptions of
Freemasonry and the place of women in
Freemasonry. He ends with a gallery of
well-known historical figures who have
been Freemasons.
The superb quality of the illustrations,
many of them specially commissioned
photographs by Painton Cowen, makes the
book a visual delight. It is an old cliché that
a picture is worth a thousand words. In this
case it is a very true statement. The pictures
enhance and visually expand the author’s
text and add much to our understanding
of what he has to say, making the book a
feast for both the brain and the eye.
The author, designer and publisher are
to be congratulated on producing one of the
best books on Freemasonry I have seen in 35
years involvement with Masonic literature.
How they have managed to produce it for
less than the price of most Festive Boards in
London is one of the secrets of publishing!
If someone wants to buy you a present –
this should be top of your list.
John Hamill is Director of Communications,
United Grand Lodge of England
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Copyright 2002-2007
MQ Magazine
Web site created by Mark Griffin
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