Reading List - Mt. Moriah #28 Home Page

Reading List
Introduction
The books and materials in this list are intended to provide basic and fundamental
information about Freemasonry. It is hoped that they will inspire further reading
for masonic knowledge. While this this is intended for the newly minted Master
Mason, any mason regardless of his tenure will benefit from reading these books.
The material is grouped by topic for convenience. It is suggested to begin with
the Basic List and then move on to other readings.
The “Basic List”
These books are considered the absolute basics, provide excellent information,
and are easy reads. All of them should be read.
Claudy, Carl H., Introduction to Freemasonry - Entered Apprentice
(various publishers)
Claudy, Carl H., Introduction to Freemasonry - Fellowcraft (various
publishers)
Claudy, Carl H., Introduction to Freemasonry - Master Mason
(various publishers)
Claudy, Carl H. (1924), The Old Tyler Talks, The Masonic Service
Association (MSA). An excellent collection of very short stories
between a new mason and a crusty old Tyler.
Claudy, Carl H. (1924), The Old Past Master, MSA. An excellent
collection of very short stories between a new mason and an old Past
Master of the lodge.
Claudy, Carl H. (1925), Foreign Countries, MSA. (No book cover found)
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Hodapp, Chistopher (2005), Freemasons for Dummies, Wiley (there
is also a newer 2nd edition).
Mackey, Albert G., (1980), Mackey’s Jurisprudence of Freemasonry,
Macoy Publishing. This is an excellent quick reference source of the
written and unwritten laws, rules and regulations of Freemasonry. It
is especially important for its treatment of landmarks and Ancient
Constitutions.
Mackey, Albert G., (1873) Encyclopedia of Freemasonry (Two
Volumes). Not a book to be read, but a good source of information
on most any topic masonic (many later publishing’s).
History and Philosophy
These books cover the history of Freemasonry and also the philosophy and
teachings of the craft. All are generally accepted as correct and factual.
Bullock, Steven C. (1996), Revolutionary Brotherhood: Freemasonry
and the Transformation of the American Social Order, 1730-1840.
This is an excellent book that looks at the beginning of Freemasonry
in America, and then each period as the Fraternity, and the country
matured (contains detailed references).
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Carr, Harry (1995), The Freemason at Work, (Seventh and Revised
Edition). Masonic symbolism, ritual, and history carefully explained.
Carr, Harry (1967), The Collected Prestonian Lectures 1925-1960,
Quatuor Coronati Lodge. These lectures are likely the most
outstanding papers presented on the history of the fraternity (491
pages). Contains contemporary Masonic research in England.
Coil, Henry Wilson (1973), A Comprehensive View of Freemasonry.
This is a general presentation of Freemasonry.
Coil, Henry Wilson (1966), Freemasonry Through Six
Centuries, (Two Volumes). An excellent study that traces the
Craft through many lands and over 600 years.
Cook, Lewis C. (Ed.), Colonial Freemasonry
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Cryer, Neville Baker, I Just Didn’t Know That
Dumenil, Lynn, Freemasonry and American Culture
Dyer, Colin (1987), William Preston and His Work
Haggard, Forrest D. (1970), The Clergy and the Craft. These are the
views of a Masonic leader who is a Past Master and Minister.
Heaton, Ronald E. (1965), Masonic Membership of the Founding
Fathers. Biographies of Masons involved with the Declaration of
Independence, the American Revolution and the Constitution.
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Hernandez, Mabini G., Reflections on Masonic Values. Originally from “Dear
Dad” letters. Good advice. (No book cover found.)
Home, Alex (1981), Sources of Masonic Symbolism, Macoy. This is a
readable historical basis for much of Freemasonry.
Jones, Bernard E. (1950, 1956), Freemasons’ Guide and
Compendium. A clear view of Speculative Masonry, and its amazing
growth.
MacBride, A. S. (1924, 1971), Speculative Masonry: Its Mission, Its
Evolution and Its Landmarks, Macoy.
MacNulty, W. Kirk (1991), Freemasonry - A Journey Through Ritual
and Symbol, Thames and Hudson, London. This book is a
beautifully illustrated introduction to Freemasonry.
Morris S. Brent, Cornerstones of Freedom - A Masonic Tradition.
The author discusses the cornerstone laying ceremony, and its
history.
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Morris, S. Brent (1993), A Radical in the East, Iowa Research
Lodge. A book that discusses myths, and beliefs in our ritual
system.
Munn, Sheldon A., Freemasons at Gettysburg. The story of the
Friend to Friend monument at Gettysburg.
Nettl, Paul (1957), Mozart and Masonry, Dorset Press, New York.
The life, and Masonic record of this great composer (Library).
Newton, Joseph Fort (1914), The Builders, McCoy Publishing Co.,
Richmond. Contains history, interpretation, prophecy and includes
questions for study. A great book for the new Mason (classic).
Partner, Peter (1987), The Murdered Magicians: The Templars and
their Myth, Oxford Univ. Press. An excellent book that not only
discusses the original Knights Templars, but also covers the period
after their end; with detailed discussion of how they were perceived
by the public in each period.
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Pick, Fred L. & G. Norman Knight (1953), The Pocket History of
Freemasonry.
Pike, Albert (1871), Morals and Dogma, Supreme Council of the S.J.,
Charleston (numerous succeeding editions). This is a very hard read.
It is the major compilation of Pike’s writings on (his) view of the
questionable history of mystic studies. And the basis of some Scottish
Rite rituals.
Roberts, Allen E. (1961), House Undivided. The story of
Freemasonry and the Civil War.
Roberts, Allen E. (1994), Masonic Trivia & Facts. Information packed
into more than 600 questions and answers.
Roberts, Allen E. (1974), The Craft and Its Symbols. A classic
introduction to Freemasonry.
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Roberts, Allen E., George Washington: Master Mason. The story of
Washington, and the Fraternity, using many of his own words.
Robinson, John J. (1993), A Pilgrim’s Path. This book discusses
history, anti-Masonry, and the author’s feelings as he decides to
petition the Fraternity (recommended for beginners).
Vaughn, William P., The Anti-Masonic Party in the United States,
1826-1843.
Historical and Masonic Theories
These books cover concepts not always rated as historically valid or standard
Masonic theories.
Baigerit, Michael & Richard Leigh (1989), The Temple and the
Lodge.
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Bromwell, H. P. H., Restorations of Masonic Geometry, Kessinger.
The book goes into great detail on the supposed geometry of the
lodge rooms. For students who are interested in the reasons for
some traditions (559 pages).
Knight, Christopher and Robert Lomas (1996), The Hiram Key,
Element Books, Rockport, Maine. A book that claims the Hiram
story came from Egypt at the time of Joseph, and was carried down
through the ages. (It is interesting, but likely only a good story.)
Those who are interested in “from whence came the Fraternity” will
enjoy its theories.
Knight, Christopher and Robert Lomas, The Second Messiah. The
book is filled with stories of the Knights Templar, and pre-Masonic
topics and ideas. Enjoyable reading for those who like to think about
the Middle Ages and the fanciful histories of the fraternity.
Knight, Christopher and Robert Lomas, Uriel’s Machine. A third
book by the authors of Hiram’s Key. This book looks at the prehistory of Europe and the Bible, and comes with a theory of both
unproved pre-history and pre-Masonic history. It is pure theory, and
will be enjoyable for those who like to think of pre-history and the
possibilities of the Fraternity’s history.
Noone, Richard W. (1982), Ice: The Ultimate Disaster, Three Rivers
Press, New York (Paper). Interesting book for those who like to read
ideas of pre-history foundations of the (possible) Masonic philosophy.
Reads well, and has many Masonic ideas in it - if one ignores the
theory that the end of the earth, as we know it, should have been
May 2000. This book does have many ideas, and reads well.
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Robinson, John J. (1989), Born in Blood. The author builds a
hypothesis for Freemasonry to be the continuation of the Knights
Templar.
Yates, Frances A. (1972), The Rosicrucian Enlightenment, Barnes and
Noble. This is a study of the “Enlightenment” with an idea that Dr.
John Dee was the founder of Rosicrucianism, and that it returned to
England as Freemasonry. An exact history of where the early
Fraternity in London originated is not known, but Ms. Yates makes a
good theory regarding the history of the Fraternity. It also tells her
theory of our ritual and philosophy.
Working of the Lodges
These books are focused on the current ritual, and workings of lodges, as well as
the administration of lodges, and other Masonic bodies.
Claudy, Carl H. (1935), The Master’s Book. A good book for the
Warden preparing to be the Lodge Worshipful Master.
Roberts, Allen E., Masonic Lifeline - Leadership. A manual for
“growing” leaders of Freemasons.
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Beaumont, John E., Freemasonry at the Top. Easy to read, and
helpful to those who would be our leaders.
Fiction
Books are included here that are interesting or historical fiction, which are of
interest to Freemasons because of the content. They usually present enjoyable
material so their reading will be both beneficial and educational.
Eco, Unberto (1989), Foucault’s Pendulum, Harcourt Brace
Jovanovich, Publishers. A novel that presents a study of the preMasonic mystic life (in Europe). This includes much of Masonic
symbolism.
Fink, Steven (1987), The Hailing Sign, St. Martin’s Press, New York
(403 pages). Another novel that members of the Fraternity may
find enjoyable.
Follett, Ken (1990), The Pillars of the Earth, Signet. A paperback
novel that looks at the “Operative Craft” in Europe, with the story
of a master craftsman.
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George, P. W. (1987), The Lodge in Friendship Village and Other
Stories, Masonic Book Club. A series of enjoyable, and interesting
stories that will make one think of the way lodges operated in a
more relaxed day - in small communities.
Kipling, Rudyard (1994), The Man Who Would Be King, Dover, New
York. This is a paperback in Dover’s “Thrift Series.” There is also a
movie of this book. This can be enjoyed for the story, and
symbolism.
Kurtz, Katherine, Two Crowns for America. Historical novel about
Freemasonry and the Revolutionary War. With an offer of American
kingship to Bonnie Prince Charles.
Mellr, Alex (1982), Strange Masonic Stories, Macoy. A book of
historical fiction.
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Freemasonry and Religion
Leazer, Gary (1995), Fundamentalism and Freemasonry, M. Evans
and Co., New York.
Morris, S. Brent and Art deHoyos, Is it True What They Say About
Freemasonry.
A discussion of the things said negatively against the fraternity, and
a point-by-point discussion.
Thron, Richard (1994), The Boy Who Cried Wolf - Understanding
The Man Who Lies About Masons, M. Evans and Co., New York.
Treats religion and Freemasonry from the view of a Past Master,
Missionary, and Fundamentalist Christian.
Masonic Reference
These references will be very beneficial to those doing research.
The Holy Bible
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Coil, Henry Wilson (1961), Coil’s Masonic Encyclopedia
Denslow, William R. (1957), 10,000 Famous Freemasons
Henderson, Kent (1984), Masonic World Guide. Not a book to
read, but one that gives detail, and addresses of Grand and local
lodges worldwide; plus what to expect when visiting internationally.
A directory of rules for visitations to lodges worldwide, and tips for
the traveling Mason.
Little Masonic Library, Vols. I - V, Macoy Publishing Co. Five
volumes of essays on many aspects of Freemasonry. Articles by
Claudy, Pike, Pound, etc.
Morris, S. Brent, Masonic Philanthropies - A Tradition of Caring, 2nd
Edition.
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Roberts, Allen E., Who Is Who in Freemasonry (No book cover found.)
Van Gorden, John H. (1987), Medieval Historical Characters in
Freemasonry, Masonic Book Club. Contains biographies of 47
historical (Masonic) individuals.
Van Gorden, John H. (1986), Ancient and Early Medieval Historical
Characters in Freemasonry, Supreme Council A.A.S.R., N. M. J.
Waite, Arthur Edward. (197), A New Encyclopedia of
Freemasonry, Vols. I and II, Weathervane Books, New York
Sources for Books
The websites below are excellent sources for obtaining books and publications.
The lodge library also contains many of the publications on this reading list.
Macoy Publishing & Masonic Supply Co., Inc.
www.macoy.com
Southern California Research Lodge
www.theresearchlodge.org
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Masonic Service Association
www.msana.com
Lewis Masonic Books
www.lewismasonic.co.uk
Kessinger Publishing Co.
http://www.kessinger-publishing.com
(Kessinger publishes rare and out-of-print books in Alchemy, Esoteric,
Freemasonry, Hermetic, Gnosticism, Metaphysical, Rosicrucian, Spiritual, and
Theosophy. They have many good items about Freemasonry, but usually do not
give the original dates, etc.)
Barnes and Noble
http://www.barnesandnoble.com
Amazon.com
www.amazon.com
Websites
There are hundreds of websites that don’t sell books but instead offer
information on Freemasonry. Some of websites are good, and some not so good.
Some are even clearly anti-masonic. Many of the good sites make available the
full text of published books, papers, and MSA Short Talk Bulletins. Some also
provide masonic humor, clipart, web links, and other miscellaneous information.
A few of the best are listed below.
The Masonic Trowel, http://www.themasonictrowel.com/
Freemasonry.FM, http://www.freemasonry.fm/
Paul M. Bessel website, http://bessel.org/
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