Mere Freemasonry

The history of Freemasonry is deep and rich. Over the years many authors have penned tomes of information about the fraternity. Many of these books are available online.

As an Amazon Association (at least for now; I’m located in California and Amazon already turned off the Associates Program here once), I have compiled a list of some of the BEST books on Freemasonry. You’ll find books that I own and recommend on the history of the fraternity, the appendant bodies and general information.

You can click on the cover image or the title, and you’ll be taken to Amazon, where you can purchase the book(s) and add them to your collection. I won’t recommend any book unless I’ve read it myself. I’ll also give a Square & Compass Rating (from 1 to 5) based on my personal review of the book. 5 is best, 1 is not as good.

The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Freemasonry
by S. Brent Morris

Mysteries revealed … truths uncovered … and myths dispelled.
What is the truth about the Masons suggested in Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code? Can Freemasonry really be dated back as far as Babylon? Did they really coordinate the Boston Tea Party and the American Revolution? What really goes on at a Mason lodge during an initiation? Here is the real story behind the secret society that now boasts nearly five million members (and has included such illustrious fellows as George Washington and Benjamin Franklin), as revealed by a Master Mason.

Cracking the Freemasons Code: The Truth About Solomon’s Key and the Brotherhood
by Robert L.D. Cooper

Prompted by mounting public interest and provoked by controversial stories on the Freemason Society, respected historian and Scottish Freemason Robert L.D. Cooper offers a rare inside look at this secret brotherhood. As curator of the Scottish Masonic Museum and Library, the author has unparalleled access to material dictating the history and function of the Masons.

In Cracking the Freemasons Code Cooper explains the structure of the Masonic interculture, its connections to covert organizations, the identities of historical Masonic members (who include George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle), the locations of famous Masonic sites, and much more.

Readers will discover the true role Freemasonry has played throughout history, its purposes, the functions of its many members, and the way in which it has helped shape our modern society. Laying out the symbolism, beliefs, and ethos of a Mason, Cooper addresses the considerable amounts of controversy surrounding those practices. His book includes never-before- published images and seldom-seen documents to give readers a privileged view of this elect brotherhood. 

Duncan’s Ritual of Freemasonry
by Malcolm C. Duncan

A must for every Mason, this volume serves as a guide for neophytes as well as a reference for the initiated. Its revelations of closely guarded secrets make it valuable even to readers outside the fraternity. More than 100 illustrations accompany simple, accurate explanations of gestures, symbols, tools, and terms.

Freemasons for Dummies
by Christopher L. Hodapp

Fascinated by Freemasons? Freemasons For Dummies is the internationally best-selling introduction to the Masons, the oldest and largest “secret society” in the world. This balanced, eye-opening guide demystifies Freemasonry, explaining everything from its elaborate rituals and cryptic rites, to its curious symbols and their meanings. Find out what goes on in a Masonic meeting. You’ll understand the true purposes of Masonic “secrecy” and philosophy, meet famous Masons throughout history, and discover related organizations like the Knights Templar, the Scottish Rite, Order of the Eastern Star, and the Shriners. Explore the controversies and conspiracy theories that swirl around this organization at the center of Dan Brown’s novel The Lost Symbol, and discover the changes coming to the Craft.

Freemason Symbols and Ceremonies For Dummies [Kindle Edition]
by Christopher Hodapp

Your key to understanding Freemason symbols, rituals, and ceremonies

Are you intrigued by the aura of secretiveness and mysteriousness surrounding the Freemasons? Freemason Symbols & Ceremonies For Dummies opens the door to this age-old Fraternal organization dispelling commonly held myths and revealing the mysteries and meanings behind its elaborate rituals, cryptic rites, and curious symbols.

• With an insider’s view, you will get the scoop on what goes on in a Masonic meeting, what’s behind that secret handshake, and why Masons really wear aprons.
• You’ll understand the true purposes of Masonic secrecy and philosophy and discover related organizations like the Knights Templar, the Scottish Rite, and other York Rite Bodies.
• Explore the controversies and conspiracy theories that swirl around the Freemasons and discover the cool Masonic sites at the center of Dan Brown’s bestselling novel The Lost Symbol.

Learn to:

• Understand the meaning behind Freemason rituals, cryptic rites, and symbols
• Appreciate what goes on in a Masonic meeting, what’s behind the secret handshake, and why Masons wear aprons
• Dispel commonly held myths about the secretiveness of Freemasons
• Explore the controversies and conspiracies that swirl around this Fraternal organization

In His Own (w)Rite
Michael R. Poll

New York Times bestselling writer and Masonic historian, Michael R. Poll gives us a wonderful collection of some of his best Masonic papers and lectures. From rethinking long held beliefs regarding the early development of the Scottish Rite to the general philosophy and needs of today’s Freemasonry, this book provides education, enlightenment and enjoyment. 

Solomon’s Builders: Freemasons, Founding Fathers and the Secrets of Washington D.C.
by Christopher Hodapp

Did the Freemasons create the United States of America?

Step back in time to the birth of a revolutionary new republic and discover how the utopian ideals of a visionary secret society laid the foundation for the most powerful nation on earth. Follow George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, John Hancock and other Founding Fathers as they transform the democratic principles of their Masonic lodges into a radical new nation.

Solomon’s Builders unravels history from myth as it takes you on a Freemason’s tour of Washington, D.C. It reveals the evidence of Masonic influence during the construction of America and its new capital, including clues hidden in plain sight:

• Masonic connections to national monuments
• Puzzling pentagrams and symbolism in city streets
• Washington’s temples of the “Widow’s Sons”

Solomon’s Builders relates the true stories of our visionary Founders, and the fascinating meaning behind the cryptic codes, enigmatic symbols and intriguing architecture that was the basis for the sequel to The Da Vinci Code, Dan Brown’s novel The Lost Symbol.